Join HERALD’s reforestation project for a greener future!

Oct 04, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: As part of the celebrations marking HERALD’s 30th anniversary this year, we are proud to launch an inspiring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that extends far beyond the pages of our publication. In response to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls all of us to care for our common home, HERALD is stepping up to embrace its responsibility for creation with the HERALD Tree Planting Campaign.

To mitigate the environmental impact of producing print media, HERALD has partnered with APE Malaysia under their ROAR (Restore Our Amazing Rainforest) initiative. This collaboration has already seen the planting of 100 trees in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sukau, Sabah on behalf of HERALD — a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a long-term effort to rejuvenate Sabah’s delicate rainforest ecosystems.

The reforested area, once a barren patch of land overrun by grasses and ferns, is now being transformed into a thriving forest, brimming with life and potential. Over the next four years, APE Malaysia will work diligently to nurture the saplings, ensuring they are safeguarded against weeds and invasive species. Within five years, these trees will stand tall at around five metres, and within a decade, they will blend seamlessly into the existing forest canopy. This rejuvenated habitat will become a sanctuary for countless species of wildlife, from gibbons and birds to monkeys and even orangutans — bringing life back to this fragile ecosystem.



While the world is shifting toward digital platforms, HERALD remains deeply committed to the value of print media. The printed word offers something uniquely tangible — it endures as a trusted source of information, reflection, and the preservation of Church teachings. Newspapers hold a special place in our lives, preserving stories, perspectives, and history for future generations. Yet, as stewards of the planet, we must also recognise the ecological toll that print production can have on the environment.

Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, emphasised the moral imperative of protecting the environment, and HERALD is proud to act on this call. Through our reforestation efforts, we are not only addressing the need to balance our ecological footprint but also contributing to the global fight against deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.



Reforestation initiatives, like the one in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, are among the most impactful actions we can take to combat environmental degradation. Trees play a critical role in sequestering carbon, improving air quality, conserving water, and fostering biodiversity. By restoring forests, we also create critical wildlife corridors that allow species to thrive, contributing to the health of entire ecosystems.



HERALD is extending an invitation to YOU, our valued readers, to take part in this important mission. For just RM35 per sapling, which includes four years of care and maintenance, you can sponsor a tree through the ROAR initiative. Your contribution will go directly toward restoring the degraded forest corridors of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, helping to rebuild natural habitats for a wide array of wildlife while also supporting the local communities who rely on this environment.

Every tree that is planted is a small step toward healing the planet. Together, we can create a lasting legacy for future generations — a forest that will stand the test of time and serve as a symbol of our collective commitment to the environment. As a sponsor, you will become part of this journey, directly contributing to the reforestation and rejuvenation of one of Malaysia’s most important ecosystems.



This tree planting campaign is more than just a symbolic gesture — it is a real and tangible way for each of us to respond to Pope Francis’ call to be protectors of creation. By participating, you are not only helping to restore a critical ecosystem, but also making a personal commitment to the care of our common home.

We invite all readers, supporters, and friends of HERALD to join us in this powerful initiative. Together, we can make a difference — one tree at a time. Let’s plant the seeds of change and watch them grow into a future where our forests flourish and our planet thrives.

For more information on how you can sponsor a sapling or participate in the campaign, please visit HERALD’s website at Habitat Restoration Sponsorship Program