National Mangrove Restoration Project in Malaysia

Abstract

Mangrove forests are unique ecosystem in the world. The importance of mangrove forests in providing invaluable goods and services in economics, social and environmental terms are well understood. However, there is a trend that the mangrove forests were lost due to human activities such as direct conversion of mangroves to aquaculture, agriculture and urban land uses. In realizing the importance of mangrove and the threat towards mangrove forests, there is a need to restore and conserve mangrove areas. This paper highlights the overview, progress and challenges in the implementation of national mangrove restoration projects in Malaysia through “Tree Planting Program with Mangroves and Other Suitable Species Along National Coastlines”, which has been implemented since 2005 and involved a strategic integrated approach. As of December 2015, a total area of about 2,605 hectares had been planted with more than 6.3 million trees. To ensure the sustainability and success of this project, a continuous financial support is needed to help in implementing and maintaining the existing restoration areas. Realizing that this project will enhance the livelihood and socioeconomic well-being of the local communities, the paper recommends that the areas involved in mangrove restoration project to be gazette as a Permanent Reserve Forest.

Keywords: mangrove forest, mangrove Malaysia, mangrove restoration project.