Local Communities’ Response To Mangrove/Rhu Replanting & Conservation In Peninsular Malaysia

It is generally recognised that the mangrove forest has a specific role to play in reducing the impact of tsunami tragedy in 2004. Since 2005, the Malaysian government embarked on a program of mangrove/rhu planting along the coastal areas in Malaysia to protect the coastal area as well as enhance conservation efforts. An important factor related to the success of mangrove replanting and conservation is the extent of local involvement. By January 2009, of the 106 mangrove/rhu replanting areas in Peninsular Malaysia, 17 areas (16%) in 5 states (Perlis, Perak, Selangor, Pahang and Terengganu) in Peninsular Malaysia were identified to be having socio-economic problems such as damage by goats/cows, vandalism and damage caused by visitors’ negligence. Our study identified the main cause of the socio-economic problems was the lack of consultation with local communities prior to replanting activities. Consequently, villagers were not aware of their role in conserving and protecting the replanting areas. Our study in 2009 showed that a total 89% of 578 households surveyed in Selangor, Perlis, Perak, Pahang and Terengganu were aware of the mangrove/rhu replanting activities. A total of 76% of the respondents was interested to get involved in mangrove/rhu replanting activities. Local communities hope that mangrove/rhu replanting could reduce/avoid coastal erosion and provide protection against giant waves. Their interest was translated into action in 2009 when a local community in the state of Selangor cooperated with research team members and Selangor State Forestry Department to initiate a mangrove replanting activity. Hence, in future, it is necessary to conduct local consultation with communities living near proposed replanting areas. Local community is keen to get involved in such conservation effort as it affects their immediate livelihood.