This project aims to support community-based conservation of blackwater fish and other peatland biodiversity in targeted sites within Pahang, particularly through activities such as community patrolling, fire prevention, and ecological restoration. These efforts are focused on protecting critical peat swamp forest habitats, especially within the Sungai Bebar basin.
GEC is also working closely with stakeholders from the oil palm and forestry sectors to improve and maintain water levels in existing drainage systems. By enhancing hydrological conditions, the project seeks to support blackwater fish populations and conduct biodiversity assessments in areas with and without improved water levels.
In addition, the project promotes the conservation of blackwater fish and other peatland biodiversity through outreach and awareness initiatives. This includes the development of educational materials highlighting the importance of peat swamp forests for rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species, and the implementation of targeted awareness programmes for key stakeholders and communities across the project landscape.
Objectives:
To support blackwater fish conservation and other peatland biodiversity in the landscape through multiple community-based activities and conducting awareness to enhance black water fish conservation within the Southeast Pahang Peatland Landscape (SEPPL).
Key Activities:
- Fish assessment and biodiversity assessment in Southeast Pahang Peat Swamp Forest (SEPPSF) and Southeast Pahang Peatland Landscape (SEPPL) in Pahang.
- Fire prevention and rewetting activity to enhance protection of fish habitat.
- Peat swamp restoration
- Peat swamp ecosystem awareness programme.
Key Outcomes:
- Provide update checklist of blackwater fish species and identify endangered species.
- Protect and preserve blackwater fish and other biodiversity habitat.
- Enhance awareness among communities to protect peat swamp habitat and the ecosystem living within it.