Community Contribution towards Conservation of Tropical Fruit Trees in Malaysia

Abstract

Community participation in the conservation of tropical fruit trees is one approach taken by the Tropical Fruit Trees Project funded by UNEP/GEF carried out at six sites in Malaysia. Three conservation approaches were implemented at the sites that are diversity block, heritage block and common block. A total of 1550 fruit trees mainly from the genera Mangifera, Garcinia and Nephe lium were planted. At Kampung Kakeng, Serian, Sarawak a 5 ha diversity block was established. 110 fruit trees comprising species from the genera Mangifera, Nephelium, Garcinia, Durio, Artocarpus, Anonna, and Musa were planted in the diveristy block. An orchard consisting of many species of old fruit trees at Sibuti was identified as a Heritage Block for conservation and education purposes. A Mangifera pentandra tree aged more than 100 years from the Heritage Block was used as a source of seeds for new plantings. While in Kota Belud, a few binjai (Mangifera caesia) trees 50 - 100 years old were labelled as heritage fruit trees for public awareness as well as for conservation in the Heritage block. At other sites Yan, Papar and Bukit Gantang, fruit trees within the genus Mangifera, Garcinia and Nephelium were planted in the homegardens, orchards and public places such as playground compounds or near riversides.