Is is inevitable that the Klang Valley skyline becomes and endless sea of concrete and suffocating smog, with nary a touch of green to ease the eyes? It certainly looks like we are progressing inevitably in that direction if recent developments with the ongoing campaign to preserve the Gasing Green Belt are anything to go by. DBKL’s decision not to allow a public hearing on the Gasing Meridien bungalow project have dealt a blow to residents who have real concerns that clearing vegetation on this slope could have severe consenquences in terms of damage to property and the loss of human lives, quite apart from the loss of a beloved green belt and recreational area. READ THE LATEST UPDATES ON THESE ISSUES HERE - Jan 30 2008  

Greenwaveasia believes that a well-informed public has the potential to be a powerful force for change. By serving as a communications platform to bring environmental issues to the fore, we aim to energise individuals and resident’s groups to become actively involved in conserving natural areas and protecting the environment.

Greenwaveasia also provides a support network for sharing ideas, experiences and resources. In so doing, we offer people involved in the quest to conserve our natural heritage, encouragement and solidarity.Greenwaveasia supports a virtual community of individuals and residents groups united by a shared concern about the deterioration of the environment in the name of development. Throughout Malaysia, and particularly in the Klang Valley, forested hills in green belts and reserves have vanished to make way for a maddening sprawl of concrete, roads and housing projects. Increasingly under threat are the precious few green lungs in our midst that provide escape for a burgeoning population seeking respite from stress, heat, traffic and pollution. Something is very wrong with planning and development in this country and Malaysians are coming to realise that it is critical that civil society advocate for a more balanced approach to development and land use. Our children will pay the price of our inaction.

Greenwaveasia provides an active site for constructive discussion and input. Readers are encouraged to contribute their thoughts and feedback through letters and responses regarding current topics including Green Development which highlights balanced development initiatives worldwide and efforts to develop more environmentally sound buildings and residential areas. Green Campaigns will highlight efforts by residents’ associations and their supporters to save areas under threat.

In our Green Living section, we provide suggestions on ways to lighten our impact on the environment. Environmentally-friendly products will also be introduced. Get your family and friends involved and try to do one new thing each month.

In Green Kids, we provide fun resources for families and schools – these are activities you can do together to help children appreciate nature and think about what they can do to make a difference. You will discover that children too can be active partners in conserving resources and reducing waste and pollution!

Green People – This section features ordinary people among us who are playing a role in championing the cause of balanced development, the conservation of green spaces and other recreational areas. Their stories inspire us to step up to the plate instead of giving into disillusionment and indifference. We will also feature individuals that are doing their bit to build united and supportive neighbourhood communities.

Greenwaveasia is also a hub for the activities of residents’ associations such as the Section 5 Residents’ UCARE initiative which features events and programmes designed to help build community spirit and cultivate a caring and mutually supportive neighbourhood. UCARE stands for Unity, Culture, Arts, Recreation and Education. Read more about the UCARE activities for 2007.

Community matters highlights current issues of concern to homeowners, rate payers and consumers more generally. This includes advice from APAC (the All Peninsula Action Committee) and other residents’ advocacy organisations.

Nature-file is a section for original contributions on nature travel and appreciation in Malaysia. We welcome travelogues and nature articles as well as photography and artwork. Send your contributions to editor@greenwaveasia.org or mail your pieces to us at Greenwaveasia, c/o Capital Corporate Communications Sdn Bhd, 9, Jln 11/14, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

As the year goes by, we will strive to keep the website relevant to you. In addition, we welcome specific suggestions on how to improve and better address your areas of concern. We especially value your participation in our letters and blog sections so that the website can become an effective and stimulating communications tool.*

Finally as we embark on a fresh New Year, let’s set our aspirations high. Believe that positive change need only start with you!

* Please note that all letters will be edited for readability and vetted for suitability before being put on the web.