Sime Darby Property’s Nature-based Solutions Enhance Urban Biodiversity at Bandar Bukit Raja
A cross cultures, the dragonfly symbolises change, happiness, growth, and transformation.
At Sime Darby Property, the presence of dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as Odonates also signifies
healthy urban biodiversity. The existence of dragonflies and damselflies can be taken as bioindicators of a good
ecosystem. They bring various ecological benefits, including pest and mosquito control, and they are the main
dietary components for sallying birds, such as bee-eaters and flycatchers. “In addition to water purification
benefits and providing habitats for diverse aquatic and terrestrial species, our wetlands and waterways serve as
nature-based solutions to mitigate urban environmental challenges such as flash floods,” said Sime Darby Property’s
General Manager of Sustainability, Dr. Yasmin Rasyid.
Scarlet Skimmer Dragonfly*
The need for such a solution was amplified by the major 2021 flood, which acted as a big wake-up call for
individuals and organisations to really look into and understand how spaces can and must be designed with climate
change in mind. “We needed to ensure that we build future-proof townships that enhance the resilience of the people
living there. Hence, the Bandar Bukit Raja Townpark is designed to cater to community spaces, gatherings, and
recreational activities and, more importantly, transform into a retention pond during the monsoon season. The park
is designed in such a way that it can withstand adaptive changes without any disruptions, showcasing resilience in
urban development,” she added.
In Bandar Bukit Raja, 180 acres of wetland have been identified as nature-based solutions to mitigate urban flooding. The idea is to minimise water outflow from the township during extreme weather to avoid flooding in surrounding areas. The wetland’s additional water storage capacity of over 50,000m³ can accommodate heavy rain, equivalent to 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools. A 3.3 km swale and dry creeks within the parks help slow down water flow velocity into the canal, retaining and restoring urban biodiversity.
Blue-tailed Bee-Eater*
All parks in Bandar Bukit Raja are strategically located near Sungai Puloh, Sungai Kapar Kecil, and Sungai Kapar Besar. These parks are more than just recreational spaces; they serve as environmental warning indicators for residents and the public during emergencies.
Dr. Yasmin added, “We hope to demonstrate that this is a viable solution that can minimise inconveniences to people while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment. We encourage the adoption of this innovation with more people and developers to enhance and scale up these natural solutions for the betterment of our nation.”
Bandar Bukit Raja Townpark
Sime Darby Property, a pioneer in sustainable urban development, remains dedicated to creating thriving communities. The Group’s longstanding commitment to urban biodiversity is showcased through strategic initiatives integrating innovative nature-based solutions. The strategy’s three foundational pillars of biodiversity are avoidance, conservation, and regeneration. These principles drive the Group’s project planning and execution phases, ensuring that urban growth aligns with ecological preservation.
By prioritising avoidance, the Group aims to minimise environmental impact. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining and enhancing the existing natural landscapes within and around the Group’s developments, securing habitats for local wildlife and plant species. Through regeneration, Sime Darby Property creates lush, green spaces supporting biodiversity and community recreation.
Long-legged marsh glider *
Dr. Yasmin said, “We aim to foster vibrant, sustainable communities where natural ecosystems are not only preserved
but actively enhanced. By demonstrating the tangible steps, we look to lead the way and encourage others to do the
same, because when urban biodiversity thrives, we do too.”
*Photos by Izereen Mukri, Ecologist, Sime Darby Property
