Students learn why it is important to protect our wetlands at the World Habitat Day celebration

Friends of Mangrove members explains the Kuala Gula mangrove eco-system to the participants.

The Friends of Mangrove exhibition at SK Kuala Gula, Kuala Kurau shows local mangrove products.

The participants observe the local wildlife on the boat ride to the mangrove nursery in Teluk Rubiah.

The Kuala Gula fish-landing jetty.

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HUNDREDS of students from primary and secondary schools in Perak and Penang celebrated World Habitat Day with members of Global Environment Centre (GEC)  and the Forestry Department  in Kuala Gula, Perak, recently.

The celebration focused on the effects of climate change and the impact it has on the world population.

The students had the opportunity to observe life in the mangrove riverine system by boat. They also learnt how to plant mangrove trees at the mangrove nursery where they potted up the seedlings.

GEC general manager Chee Tong Yew said the World Habitat Day celebration was to instil awareness of the importance of the ecological services and functions of mangroves via Sahabat Hutan Bakau (SHB) or Friends of Mangrove.

"SHB is a community-based group responsible for the protection of mangroves.

"The 2004 tsunami showed the urgent need to address the lack of protection for the mangroves, which are our only defence against sea storms," said Chee.

In 2007, GEC spearheaded the Kuala Gula rehabilitation project which involved the local community in efforts and activities.

The students had fun competing against one another at the art and craft contest to win prizes.

The day ended with a visit to the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project exhibition booths.