The coastal and riverine mangrove forests of the west coast Kedah occupied a relatively large area in the past. However, due to various factors, the forested area has significantly reduced including mangrove forest quality.
Global Environment Centre (GEC) and Leader Energy Group Berhad (LEGB) are collaborating to implement conservation and restoration efforts in Kuala Muda and actively engaging coastal communities and stakeholders in mangrove protection and management.
The project aims to protect the remaining mangroves and rehabilitate degraded areas through tree planting and maintenance. The project will employ an ecosystem-based approach, ensuring the selection of appropriate tree species for rehabilitation.
The community empowerment approach will build capacity and ownership, supporting local livelihoods. Engaging multiple stakeholders including local communities, government agencies and landowners will improve the effectiveness and assist to scale up and enhance the programme in the future.
The programme will foster collaboration with residents of Kuala Muda district, Sahabat Hutan Bakau Kampung Taman Nilam, local government authorities and schools/universities to achieve its goals.
This initiative aligns with LEGB’s Sustainability-Environment Strategy and will contribute to various national and international initiatives, including the Greening Malaysia Programme, the National 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, the National Mangrove Restoration Programme and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Objective: To protect the remaining mangroves and rehabilitate degraded areas through tree planting and maintenance. The project will employ an ecosystem-based approach, ensuring the selection of appropriate tree species for rehabilitation.
Key activities:
- Conduct training to provide and share sustainable management practices for the community on nursery establishment, planting activity and maintenance of planted trees and sites.
- Conduct peer learning visits to GEC’s established community groups.
- Conduct planting site planning and segregation.
- Carry out mangrove planting, maintenance and replacement work.
