JAKARTA (IndoTelko) -- edotco Group, a leading integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company in Asia, has pledged to protect endangered birds residing in their telecommunication infrastructures as part of their mission to connect the world equitably and sustainably. The Bird Watch Pledge, which was signed with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) at the launch event of edotco’s Sustainability Blueprint, reflects edotco’s commitment towards the conservation of Malaysia’s wildlife habitats.
According to the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), telecommunications towers have become a preferred breeding site for wild birds of prey due to their stability, height and location. However, their nests are often disturbed or destroyed, contributing to a dwindling habitat and reduced population numbers. With over a fifth of Malaysia’s 822 bird species classified as Threatened or Near Threatened as of 2020, new conservation strategies are crucial to preserve the ecological balance.
Created in accordance with the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010, edotco’s Bird Watch Pledge aims to implement new policies and processes to minimise destruction to bird nests located on its towers, create awareness about the importance of raptor conservation among employees, and collaborate closely with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), BirdLife International, Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara Semenanjung Malaysia (PERHILITAN) and similar organisations on relevant bird conservation programmes.
“The recent launch of our edotco Sustainability Blueprint underscores our unwavering commitment to the sustainability agenda. Managing environment impact is part of the environmental sustainability pillar in our Sustainability strategy, and we recognise our responsibility to drive sustainable development to preserve the future of our majestic wild birds. With the Bird Watch Pledge, we aim to work hand-in-hand with local nature organisations to strike a balance between technological advancement and wildlife preservation,” said Adlan Tajudin, Chief Executive Officer, edotco Group.
Existing hazard escalation and reporting mechanisms for edotco towers will have to involve the relevant agencies in order to minimise nest management and relocation disruptions. edotco will also work with MNS and PERHILITAN to conduct wildlife monitoring at selected towers in key biodiversity areas and run raptor conservation awareness programmes to educate edotco employees. edotco employees will also be able to volunteer for MNS’s annual Pesta Sayap (Festival of Wings), which aims to raise awareness of and collect data on birds in the forest and wetlands habitats.
In 2021, edotco planted more than 40,000 trees across its regional footprint, innovated new green designs, improved energy efficiency and invested in renewable technologies among other milestones. That same year, edotco was awarded Company of the Year for Excellence in Environmental and Community Welfare Initiative at the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards 2021 and was also the first telecommunications infrastructure company in Malaysia to be appointed as a Signatory Member of the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei. (sar)