MNS 70th Anniversary Celebrations and then some

The Malaysian Nature Society has been contributing towards the protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage since 1940. MNS, as both a membership-based and membership-driven organization, has played an instrumental role in securing 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 forge ahead into the future, MNS strives to remain relevant, focused and steadfast to our mission while continuously improving the way we attain our long term goals, positively elevating our profile as well as our way of working.

Also 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 the Malaysian public towards a common goal : to champion nature conservation while holding true to our mission,

To promote the study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage.

This year, we our 70 Years Anniversary! Numerous events and activities have been planned nationwide to celebrate our 70 years of work together with our members and the public.

These events are put together as a way to say thank you to all for 70 Years of support for the work that we do; as well as a vehicle to increase the general awareness to some 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