Tell us what you're
looking for
My Favourites
Looks like you've not added any property to your favourites. Select which property type you would like to check out below.
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
NEW!
Get in touch
Feel free to reach out to us about any inquiries, feedback, and suggestions.
TOLL FREE LINE

1-800-88-1118

Outside Malaysia

+603-7849 5000

Home Residential Commercial NEW! Industrial Leisure Sustainability Investor Relations Property Investment Who We Are Find Us Careers Media Centre
Tell us what you're
looking for

Enhancing Urban Biodiversity
in the City of Elmina

Elmina Iconic Bridge, City of Elmina.

Sime Darby Property’s ambitious vision for The City of Elmina involves creating a sanctuary where biodiversity is celebrated, ecosystems are restored, and people find renewed connections with nature. As this city evolves, it leads the charge in sustainable urban living, showing that enhancing urban biodiversity is not only achievable but also essential for our collective future.
The City of Elmina’s success lies in its commitment to balance, ensuring that urban development goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. At the heart of the City of Elmina’s approach are three pillars of urban biodiversity: Avoid, Regenerate, and Conserve. These principles are woven into the fabric of every project, ensuring that areas of ecological importance are preserved, enhanced, and connected. By adopting this nature-based approach, Sime Darby Property ensures that urban life and biodiversity thrive in tandem, setting a new standard for sustainable development that others can emulate.
One of the City of Elmina’s most significant achievements is the creation of Malaysia’s first Urban Biodiversity Corridor. This 5-kilometre ecological corridor connects six major parks and the Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve, acting as a bridge that allows wildlife to move freely across the landscape. These natural pathways are lifelines for animals, ensuring safe passage, enhancing ecosystem services, and supporting the overall integrity of the natural environment.

*Wildlife Park, City of Elmina

The restoration of riparian zones with native plants along this corridor further stabilises the landscape and enriches the ecosystem, making it possible for a diverse array of species to flourish. In addition, these greenways help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, promoting a peaceful coexistence between the City of Elmina’s residents and its wildlife neighbours. This innovative design fosters a unique urban experience where residents live alongside and learn from the natural world.
A blend of innovative design and ecological mindfulness has led to the planting of over 59,560 trees, including 10,265 Endangered, Rare, and Threatened (ERT) species, all of which help mitigate the effects of climate change and restore local ecosystems. These trees represent a lifeline for many species at risk of extinction. They create microhabitats that support pollinators, provide food and shelter for birds, and improve air quality, all while cooling the urban environment and reducing the heat island effect.

Tree planting, including Endangered, Rare, and Threatened (ERT) species at City of Elmina.

Beyond their ecological value, these trees play an important role in the lives of residents. They shade bustling streets, line tranquil pathways, and fill community spaces with life, bringing a sense of calm and beauty to everyday activities. The City of Elmina proves that urban spaces can be both functional and beautiful, benefiting residents’ well-being while supporting biodiversity.
At the heart of the city’s biodiversity efforts is the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC). Run by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, this non-profit organisation focuses on the conservation of rare and endangered tree species. Its impact extends far beyond the immediate community, recently earning international recognition with a Silver Award at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards in Singapore.

The award-winning Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC).

The ERKC offers nature-themed educational programmes, providing hands-on opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about biodiversity and conservation. These programmes are designed to inspire and empower community members of all ages to become stewards of the environment, driving home the message that each individual has a role to play in protecting the natural world.
Adjacent to ERKC is the Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN), a 10-acre specialist nursery dedicated to nurturing native tree species, including those on the brink of extinction. Seedlings from the nursery are reintroduced into the urban environment, supporting habitat restoration and contributing to the city’s goal of enhancing biodiversity. 

Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN).

Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN).

The City of Elmina is a testament to the power of thoughtful planning, where every tree planted, every green space nurtured, and every wildlife corridor established contributes to a  vision of cities that are resilient, vibrant, and deeply connected to the natural world. Because when urban biodiversity thrives, we do too.

*Photos by Izereen Mukri, Ecologist, Sime Darby Property