We should protectour mangroves

SHOULD development projects that  benefit only a select few, be carried out at the expense of nature?   This question is probably running through the heads of many Perak folk  after  the New Straits Times reported that a 100-ha  mangrove replanting site in Kampung Teluk Rubiah, Kuala Gula had been cleared for a freshwater prawn aquaculture project.

The saplings were planted by companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), federal and state agencies over the past six to seven years.

Zambry has pledged to look into the matter and told newsmen after last week’s state executive council meeting that he had asked the relevant agencies to submit a report to him.

The concern here is whether it is right to clear the mangrove forest to make way for such a project. I am certain the fishing community and others share similar concerns. The fishermen’s fear that the project would affect their source of livelihood is understandable.

As Meor Razak of Sahabat Alam Malaysia puts it: “Although the company was given the land to carry out its prawn project, the company should respect the mangrove conservation efforts.”

Several studies found that mangrove forests have a protective role in the event of a tsunami. In one of the studies, researchers described mangroves as live sea walls that were more effective than concrete structures.

The country’s lawmakers should be cautious when approving projects in future, especially if it concerns the environment.

It is pointless to cry over spilt milk when damage has been done. More importantly, areas like these should be gazetted to protect them from development.

Everyone has a role to play to ensure it remains this way for a long time. It is our responsibility to ensure we can pass this treasure to the next generation.