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Letter to the Editor  Protect RAMSAR sites and seagrass meadows against further degradation (Photo taken of Knobbly Sea Stars ( Protoeaster nodosus ) at the Sg. Pulai seagrass meadow)  It is with dismay that MNS Green Living learned of the Johor State Government's plans to degazette 2 ecologically sensitive wetland habitats listed as RAMSAR sites ( NST, 26 March 2014 ). It is alarming that state governments are making unanimous and arbitrary decisions to degazette forest and mangrove reserves and delist RAMSAR sites without consulting environmental organisations or the local community.  Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and its volunteers have carried out data collection and coastal cleanup projects at Pulau Merambong, Sungai Pulai, Tanjung Piai, and Pulau Kukup in the past and can attest to the diversity of flora and fauna in these sites.  Over the years, however, coastal erosion and environmental degradation has adversely affected the water quality and marine biodive...

PENCINTA ALAM APRIL 2014 ECO KIDS COLUMN EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG EARTH WARRIORS By Wong Ee Lynn gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com Earth Day falls on April 22 each year, and it is recognised all over the world as a day on which we celebrate and give thanks to Planet Earth and Mother Nature. Governments may discuss ways to protect the environment on this day, and this can lead to important decisions being made that can benefit mankind and the Earth. Ordinary citizens including schoolchildren learn ways they can protect the environment and help plants and wildlife. Sometimes, people may feel disheartened and discouraged and think that we are doing too little, too late to help Planet Earth. But every action makes a difference, and we should never stop doing things that we know to be good for the environment, animals and society. Here are some ways you can observe and celebrate Earth Day this April: 1. Plant a tree. Plant a new tree in your garden, or if you don't have a spot for a tree, y...

PENCINTA ALAM APRIL 2014 GREEN LIVING COLUMN WHAT GOES INTO YOUR CUPPA? COFFEE LABELLING AND CERTIFICATION By Wong Ee Lynn < gl.mnselangor@yahoo.com > After tobacco and cotton, conventionally-produced coffee is the third most heavily chemically-treated crop in the world. Not only are some of the synthetic pesticides and fertilizers used banned in most developed nations; they’re often used without any genuine regulatory supervision. While some people fear pesticide residues in their coffee, there have been reports that since it’s the coffee cherry that has these chemicals applied to it, the complete removal of the fruit/pulp during processing would mean no chemical residue was present in or on the beans. Such reports add that roasting the beans to the usual high internal temperatures (above 400°F) would drive off any chemical residue that might, by chance, remain. Others disagree; there has been speculation that agrochemicals may be taken up through the roots into coffee plants, i...