Research and development activities towards sustainable management of mangroves in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Tsunami tragedy, in particular on 26 December 2004, has shown the importance of mangrove ecosystems in providing protection against strong waves and winds. Since then, research and development (R&D) activities have been intensified mainly to stabilize shoreline areas that could potentially be affected by tsunami in the future. In relation, a Task Force Committee of Planting Mangroves and Other Suitable Species Operation on Shorelines of the Country was formed by the Malaysian Government led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in 2005. Under this task force, a technical committee on Research and Development (JTR&D) was formed under the chairmanship of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). Many R&D activities were conducted by this JTR&D covering aspects of mangrove areas assessment, producing planting materials, planting in severe erosion areas, control of pests and diseases of the planted mangroves and non-mangroves species, monitoring of wave energy and carbon stock assessment. Some of the R&D activities were completed, however, few are continued to obtain more concrete and long-term data. This chapter briefly elaborates outputs of the completed R&D activities. Detail of the each project can be referred in separate published materials. The outputs could significantly contribute towards sustainable management of mangroves in Peninsular Malaysia and may be applied in other mangroves elsewhere in this country.