In line with IEM YES’s commitment to environmental sustainability and youth empowerment, the Mission 25: Forest Nursery Hands-On Workshop & Buka Puasa Session was successfully held on 15 March 2025 at the vibrant Taman Tugu Nursery, part of the AWAN (A Weekend At Nursery) initiative—a community-driven platform under the Taman Tugu Project that educates the public on tropical rainforest restoration and the importance of preserving our natural heritage.
This event gathered 30 passionate participants from various professional bodies for a meaningful afternoon immersed in nature and environmental action. The event began with an introduction to Free Tree Society, an environmental NGO that champions green urban spaces and climate education through hands-on learning. Their passionate team led participants through the day’s immersive activities.
We then proceeded with the Guided Jungle Walk through the Taman Tugu Forest Trail, where they learned about ecosystem conservation and climate change. Along the trail, various native and indigenous trees were introduced—including the Merbau tree (Intsia palembanica), Malaysia’s national tree, admired for its resilience and symbolic significance in our natural heritage.
Before concluding the walk, participants attended a short but impactful Carbon Talk, where they learned about the three main greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—along with their common sources and practical steps to reduce emissions, such as using public transport and reducing plastic usage.
The next session brought everyone back to the nursery for a hands-on planting workshop, where participants engaged in soil mixing, plant propagation, and transplanting techniques. This was followed by a Nursery Management segment, where the team shared how to care for seedlings, manage plant health, and maintain the nursery’s collection of over 200 native species—many of which are rare or endangered.
To conclude the day, participants gathered for a meaningful Buka Puasa Session, sharing food, conversation, and reflection in celebration of the holy month of Ramadan. It was a wholesome close to a day that blended environmental awareness with community connection.
Participants had the opportunity to learn within an active conservation space that consisting of more than 230 indigenous rainforest species, many of which are endangered or rare in Malaysia. The nursery not only serves as a seedling hub for reforestation within the Taman Tugu Forest Trail but also acts as a vibrant learning space for sustainability efforts in urban Kuala Lumpur.
We extend our sincere thanks to Free Tree Society, the Taman Tugu Project, and every participant for making this programme a success. Mission 25 continues to reflect our shared commitment to sustainability, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful impact—one tree and one action at a time.
