Happy New Year 2011!!! Selamat Tahun Baru!!!

Dear Members,         

On behalf of MNS Board of Trustees, Council, Branches and the Secretariat, we would like to wish all our Christian members a joyous and Merry Christmas!

We wish you good cheer and hope that in the spirit of the season that we will come together for a greener year ahead. Next year’s IUCN theme is International Year of Forests and MNS will certainly be up to the challenges ahead specifically with the growing concerns over the loss of our forest cover.

We hope that you will join us in our tireless efforts for conservation and look out for our calendar of events which will allow you to be part of our host of exciting activities throughout the year.

MNS would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our dedicated members a very Happy New Year 2011!!! Selamat Tahun Baru!!!

Don't forget to Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle...

Best Wishes,

Dr Maketab Mohamed

President

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin

Dearest Members,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Council, Branches and secretariat, we would like to wish all our muslim members Selamat Hari Raya Maaf Zahir Batin. As the Ramadhan month comes to an end, we hope to usher in the Syawal with happiness, forgiveness and good will to all mankind, as well as a step closer to a greener, more sustainable future.

We would also like to announce a historical event which will take place in October, MNS’s 70^th Anniversary International Conference and Royal Dinner. For more details, please check the MNS website.

The 63^rd MNS National AGM is happening this month of the 25^th September 2010 at the beautiful mystical Gunung Ledang. One of the highlight of this AGM is the Election of Council and Board of Trustees. I urge all members to exercise your voting rights by completing the postal ballot form which you should receive over the next few days.  For more information, go tohttp://www.mns.my/article.php?aid=303

Don’t forget to Rethink, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle while enjoying the celebration spirit this Hari Raya. Have a blessed holiday to all!

Best Wishes,

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor.

President

Malaysian Nature Society

MNS: Merdeka Greetings

Dear Members,

Happy Merdeka!

It's that time of the year again, where our nation commemorates yet another year of independence. MNS has been around long before our declaration of independence, and have been fervently advocating for the fate of those who cannot voice their grievances - our forests, its naturals eco systems and all the wildlife, plants and people who live within and around it.

As Malaysia celebrates its 53rd year of independence, let us not forget those who have yet to reach independence. Our forests and wildlife which have been 'residents' to this country long before we turned up, have been fighting for the right to live in peace and harmony, away from poachers and loggers who threaten their very existence.

As MNS turns 70 this year, we invite you to pledge your support to Save Temengor, one of the oldest rainforest in the world. Let us celebrate this Merdeka by signing the signature pledge to get Temengor gazzetted as a protected area, if you have not yet signed the pledge. Please visit http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/savetemengor2010 and get your family and friends to do the same.

This year, our society turns 70! We would also like to invite you to join in the celebrations of the 70th Anniversary International Conference (8-9th October 2010) and Royal Charity Dinner, graced by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong (10th October 2010) which will be held at Doubletree Hilton, Kuala Lumpur. For more details and inquiries, please email call 03-22871176 (Angel or Stephenie) or email events@mns.org.my visithttp://www.mns.my/article.php?aid=913 for the Conference and Dinner details.

Hari Merdeka is more than just a holiday, its a celebration of all that's Malaysian. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Council, branch EXCOs and the secretariat, Happy Merdeka. 

Conserving Nature, Celebrating Life..

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor

President

Malaysian Nature Society

RAPTOR WATCH 13TH-14TH MARCH 2010!

www.raptorwatch.org/about.htm

MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY IS 70!

As MNS prepares for its 70th year of nature conservation and its tireless efforts to protect and study our natural heritage, we have a series of special events lined up for 2010 which will showcase our work and rich natural heritage dating back to 1940.

The 70th year list of exciting events will culminate in an International Conference on October 8th & 9th, 2010 and the ROYAL DINNER to be held in Kuala Lumpur on October 10th, 2010.

YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia has been invited to open and present the policy address at the International Conference entitled “Challenges & Solutions for Tropical Biodiversity”. Special keynote speakers, international personalities and local experts have been identified and invited to present at this special Conference that aims on celebrating Malaysia’s Biodiversity and to discuss challenges faced for the past 70 years with an emphasis on urgent solutions for the next 30 years.

The Royal event will also see the first special series of MNS Awards being presented to corporates with good environmental track record or policies that will result in eco change in the next 30 years.

MNS will also unveil its proposed new logo. The dinner will include a presentation of MNS’ journey for the past seventy years and acknowledgement will be accorded to members and branches who have played a vital role in driving MNS to where it is today, the leading environmental NGO of this nation.

Funds raised will be channeled towards MNS’s GREENaid fund that will help promote and fund various conservation activities like ‘Save Belum-Temengor Campaign’, ‘Tiger Project’, educational programmes for our over 300 schools around the country, capacity build MNS to actively engage in urgent environmental issues and for MNS to be self sustaining.

Further information can be obtained at http://www.mns.my/

In the tradition of financial responsibility & accountability, our audited financial statements will be made available to all members and presented at our Annual General Meetings, copies of which will be made to each contributor of the event.

Besides the direct donations (any amount), tables (x10persons) may be purchased for RM10,000.00 each. Due to limited tables available, we would appreciate your early bookings and support.


PLATINUM DONORS – RM 1,000,000.00
(Limited to 2 Platinum Donors and by invitation only)
_______________________________________

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
· Platinum Donors will be acknowledged as Co-Sponsors of the Conference
· Branding in all media and collaterals

ROYAL DINNER
· Platinum Donors will receive the MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY PRESTIGIOUS AWARD from SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG
· prominent display of company logo on backdrops
· 4 complimentary Dinner Tables
· Invitation to the Pre-dinner Reception to greet the Guests of Honour
· Featured in press releases, website, branding, logo on all publicity materials and full page acknowledgement in souvenir book

MNS COFFEE TABLE BOOK
· Acknowledged in 2000 copies of the MNS Coffee Table Book as Co-Sponsor


GOLD DONORS – RM 500,000.00
(Limited to 4 Gold Donors only)
____________________________

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
· Gold Donors will be acknowledged as Co-Sponsors of the Conference
· Branding in all media and collaterals

ROYAL DINNER
· Gold Donors will receive the MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY DISTINCTION AWARD from SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG
· Prominent display of company logo on backdrops
· 3 complimentary Dinner Tables
· Invitations to the Pre-dinner Reception with the Guests of Honour
· Featured in press releases, website, branding, logo on all publicity materials and full page acknowledgement in souvenir book

MNS COFFEE TABLE BOOK
· Acknowledged in 2000 copies of the MNS Coffee Table Book as Partner


SILVER DONORS – RM 250,000.00
(Limited to 8 Silver Donors only)
_____________________________

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
· Silver Donors will be acknowledged as Co-Sponsors of the Conference
· Branding in all media and collaterals

ROYAL DINNER
· Will receive the MALAYSIAN NATURE SOCIETY EXCELLENCE AWARD from SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG
· Prominent display of company logo on backdrops
· 2 complimentary Dinner Tables
· Invitations to the Pre-dinner Reception with the Guests of Honour
· Website, branding and logo on all publicity materials, press releases and full page acknowledgement in souvenir book

MNS COFFEE TABLE BOOK
· Acknowledged in 2000 copies of the MNS Coffee Table Book


SUPPORTERS –BELOW RM 100,000.00
____________________________

ROYAL DINNER
· 1 complimentary Dinner Table· Website, branding and prominent single line to quarter page acknowledgement in souvenir book.

MNS COFFEE TABLE BOOK
· Acknowledged in 2000 copies of the MNS Coffee Table Book


TABLE INVESTMENT
_______________

· Table Investment is at RM10,000 per table


NOTE: All donations will be acknowledged in the dinner souvenir book and are tax deductible.

For more information, event details on how to sign-up as donors, please contact Andrew Sebastian, Head of Communications, Malaysian Nature Society or call 03-2287 9422.

(1)         MNS turns 70 – Make 4 Calls for 2010

We celebrate 70 years of nature conservation this year, but also make 4 main calls in this year of biodiversity

-          STOP, PROTECT, MANAGE, REDUCE

>> to read the full text, http://www.mns.my/article.php?aid=476

(2)         Feb ’10 Newsletter

Please be informed that the Feb ’10 newsletter is out.  You can download a copy from http://www.mns.my/file_dir/10236506514b5516245405d.pdf

Contents:

-          Raptor Watch Week is back!

-          MNS Honorary Membership – Call for submission of names!

-          Threat to Ulu Geroh Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly

-          Eco-Kids – New Uses for Everyday Objects

-          MNS Rules and Regulations – Back to Basics

-          World Wetlands Day 2010 – Caring for wetlands – an answer to climate change

-          MNS Roadshow coming to Perak and Melaka in March 2010

-          Green Living – Lower-Impact Renovations

-          Trip to Ulu Geroh, Gopeng

-          Calendar of Activities

MNS 70th Anniversary Celebrations

The Malaysian Nature Society has been contributing towards the protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage since 1940. Being a membership-based organization, we have been the reason behind the protection of many key habitats as well as national and state parks in Malaysia.

Last year, MNS was recognised for its contribution to the country in the area of the environment by being awarded the prestigious inaugural Merdeka Award for our Belum-Temengor Conservation Initiative. This and other achievements of the Society have aptly demonstrated not only our passionate determination for nature conservation but also the importance of our members and their support in achieving our goals.

As we move forward, MNS strives to remain relevant, focused and steadfast while continuously improve the way we attain our long term goals, positively elevating our profile as well our way of working.

Last year MNS proudly unveiled our new 12 year long term plan and guide, "MNS Strategy Plan 2008-2020" which came about after a prolonged 2 year consultative process. With this plan, we hope to move forward together with our members and Malaysian public towards a common goal : nature conservation and be true to our mission,
To promote the study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage.

And this year, in conjunction with our 70 Years Anniversary, numerous events have been planned nationwide to celebrate our 70 years of work in Malaysia together with our members and the public.

These events are put together as a way to say thank you to aa for 70 Years of support for the work that we do; as well as a vehicle to increase the general awareness of our key focus in the country.

1. Press Conference (23rd January 2010)
· To announce and promote the events of MNS 70th Anniversary
· To launch the 70th logo

2. Book Launch – Limestone Hills & Caves of Kinta Valley (23rd January 2010)
· Launch at MNS HQ/Nature Owlet, followed by presentation to the public and branch
· Resources: working with Nature Owlet, Perak & Selangor Branch

3. FIFA World Cup Exhibit (29th January 2010)
· MNS project with Coco cola to be displayed, exhibition is at Mid Valley Megamall

4. Book Launch – Mangroves of Kuala Selangor (2nd Feb 2010)
· In conjunction with World Wetlands Day. Sponsored by HSBC
. To be launched at Kuala Selangor Nature Park. Officiated by YB Elizabeth Wong

5. Raptor Watch (13-14th March 2010)
· Our 11th year, to promote our 70th anniversary and launch the MNS-TM KPA project.
· All branches encouraged to attend and be part of the MNS exhibition. Speaking slots are available to branch
. Co-organised with Melaka/N9 and Selangor branch.

6. World Water Day - National Youth Conference on Water (22nd March 2010)
· Conference targeting youth and students to be held tentatively in University Malaya

7. Earth Day (22nd April)
· Events being developed that will showcase the 70th anniversary.

8. World Tapir Day (27th April)
· Public Lecture on Tapir Conservation by Carl Traeholt at MSN HQ.

9. World Migratory Bird Day 2010 (8-9th May)
. "Migrating Raptors", a talk and slideshow by MNS Raptor Study Group at Pustaka Miri and selected rural schools.
. Birdwatching trips around Miri.

10. Heavenly Weekend with the Stars (14-16th May)
. Joint MNS Miri and MNS Sabah in Kundasang
. Astronomy Camp and Stargazing

11. World Biodiversity Day (22nd May)
· Kuching Branch to organize the Penrissen Range IBA launch in conjunction with the World Biodiversity Day, in partnership with Borneo Highlands Resort.
· Kedah Branch to organize Environmental Education Conference
. Details pending.

12. World Environment Day (5th June)
· Events being developed that will showcase the 70th anniversary.
· Selangor Branch at Bukit Kiara Forest Reserve
. MNS Open Day in conjunction with World Environment Day.


13. World Oceans Day (8th June)
· Launch of the Sustainable Seafood Guide in collaboration with WWF Malaysia.

14. Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race (ten. 19-20th June)
· Being developed that will showcase the 70th anniversary

15. 70th Anniversary Roadshow MNS Miri Branch (19-20th June)
· In conjunction with World Environment Day. Theme: Marine and Coastal Conservation, Pustaka Miri. Talks and slideshows (Fossils in Miri; Dolphins in Sarawak; Reefs in Sarawak) as well as a fieldtrip to Tusan Cliffs to look for fossils the next day.

16. MNS Kuching Branch – Trees for Life (July)
· Date TBA, Venue at Sama Jaya Nature Reserve

17. 2nd International Firefly Symposium (2-5th Aug)
· FRIM as main organizer, MNS as co-organiser. MNS to present a paper on Kg. Kuantan.

18. Merdeka Day (31th Aug)
· Activities being planned to associate MNS with our Malaysian identity

19. MNS National AGM (25th Sept)
· Hosted in Johor, Lagenda Ledang Resort
· Election year for Office bearers.

20. International Conference (8th & 9th October 2010)
· 2 day International Conference, special international guests, 300 pax, titled “Challenges & Solutions to Tropical Biodiversity – 70 years and Beyond”
· 1st announcement in Jan 2010, 2nd in June 2010

21. Royal Dinner (10th October 2010)
· Dinner and presentation of Awards, 800 pax.
· Awards to be given out to selected corporates and supporters

22. Borneo Bird Festival (15-17th October 2010)
· A 3-day public event at Sabah, organized by Sabah Tourism Board, co-organised by MNS and supported by BirdLife International.

23. 3rd Wetlands Link International (WLI) Asia Confernce (20-24th Oct 2010)
· 50-80 international participants. To be held in Kuala Selangor in conjunction with Festival of Wings 2010.

24. Festival of Wings (23-24th October 2010)
· 2 day annual public event at Kuala Selangor Nature Park

25. 70th Anniversary Coffeetable Book Launch (November)
· Book launch & exhibition

Malaysian Nature Society look forward to welcome more organisations and individuals to become members of MNS; to be our partners in some of our projects as well as generously volunteer time and resources in the many programmes we offer nationwide.

Together we can fruitfully work towards ensuring the protection of Malaysia’s fragile natural wonders for perpetuity, for our grandchildren and their grandchildren to come.

Event listings provided by:
Communications Division,
MNS Dec 2009,
Email: hod.communications@mns.org.my