Empowering Young Changemakers: TERNS Session on Riparian Zones and Sungai Klang
TERNS – Train, Educate & Responsibility to Nature and Society is led by Colonel Allan Lai, inspired by the vision to bring back unity and harmony among youth while instilling respect and a sense of belonging towards nature and our beloved country, Malaysia. Since its inception in 2019, the TERNS programme has reached children as young as seven up to their teenage years, nurturing them into environmentally conscious leaders of tomorrow.
As part of this journey, we recently conducted another TERNS session with a group of bright youngsters aged 10 to 15. Building on our previous workshops, this session focused on the importance of riparian zones—the green buffer areas along riverbanks—and how they safeguard the health of rivers such as Sungai Klang.
Rivers: Our Source of Life
Rivers are the lifelines of communities. They provide drinking water, support agriculture, enable livelihoods, and sustain biodiversity. Yet, globally, less than 1% of Earth’s water is accessible fresh water, and rivers carry much of this limited supply.
For Malaysia, Sungai Klang is both an ecological artery and a cultural landmark. Flowing through the Klang Valley, it supports millions of lives and ecosystems, but like many rivers in urban landscapes, it faces challenges from waste, erosion, and pollution.
Why Riparian Zones Matter
During the session, participants explored how riparian zones act as natural protectors of rivers. Vegetation along the riverbanks:
Prevents soil erosion and stabilises banks
Filters pollutants before they reach the river
Provides habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife
Creates cooling, shaded areas for communities and ecosystems
By using Sungai Klang as a case study, the youths could clearly see how riparian zones are not only ecological assets but also social and economic safeguards.
Sparking Ideas in Young Minds
One of the most exciting parts of the session was seeing the creativity of our participants. They shared practical ideas for river conservation such as:
Setting up community-based recycling efforts
Planting trees and mangroves along riverbanks
Starting eco-clubs in schools to spread awareness
Joining eco-volunteer programmes for clean-ups
These discussions echo what TERNS has achieved since 2019—proving that when given the knowledge and platform, young people become powerful advocates for nature.
TERNS participant presenting her journal to Col. Allan
Building a Culture of River Stewardship
The TERNS programme is about more than environmental education; it is about cultivating a sense of shared responsibility. By connecting youth to the Sungai Klang conservation movement and highlighting the role of riparian zones, we aim to inspire a generation that values rivers as treasures to be protected, not resources to be taken for granted.
From individual actions like reducing single-use plastics to community efforts and long-term restoration projects such as the Sungai Klang Restoration Masterplan and our Coastal Oasis initiative, everyone has a role to play.
Together, we can ensure that Sungai Klang and rivers across Malaysia remain sources of life, resilience, and pride for generations to come.
Join Us in Building the Next Generation of Eco-Leaders
Our TERNS sessions are only the beginning. Through our upcoming Capacity-Building Programs, we are expanding opportunities for youth, communities, and local stakeholders to take active roles in conservation.
These initiatives include:
On-ground training and skills development in nursery management and sustainable practices
Youth Eco-Leadership & Internship Program to empower the next generation
Engagement of local fishers and farmers in nursery and replanting activities
Eco-volunteer programme coordination and community clean-ups
Development of educational materials for schools and public outreach
Support for community rangers, including allowances, equipment, and uniforms
If you or your community would like to be part of these training, eco-volunteer, and ranger programmes, stay tuned for our announcements—or reach out to us directly to explore how you can contribute to conserving Sungai Klang and protecting our precious rivers.
https://www.planters.life/volunteering
Career : hr@planters.life
Together, we can transform awareness into action.
