KUCHING: The mangrove tree planting programme initiated by the state Forest Department (FDS) along the coast of Sejingkat Power Station here kicked off with the planting of 517 seedlings on yesterday (July 4).
FDS deputy director Jack Liam said the programme would spur encourage many more campaigns in support of the Mangrove Appreciation Month in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem celebrated yearly on July 26.
He said his department was committed to preserving and conserving this ‘national treasure’ for the next generation.
“There is a growing awareness of the importance of forest restoration globally and the state government has already begun taking the step forward in committing to restore its forest and degraded lands.
“Since the launching of the Forest Landscape Restoration Programme in 2019, the Premier of Sarawak has assured that the state would continue to maintain 62 per cent of its forest cover, which is the largest in the nation,” he said at the launching ceremony of the programme here.
The programme in collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad and the Malaysian Scouts Federation, Sarawak branch, was attended by 150 participants, including Scouts delegations from Brunei and Indonesia.
A few of FDS success stories in Kuching under the mangrove tree planting programme are Selabat Mudflats Nature Reserve, Kuching Wetland National Park and Kampung Buntal beach coast.
Not only does the programme benefit the local communities in the long run, it also supports the livelihood of the community living surrounding the area.
“For a successful implementation of forest landscape restoration in Sarawak, FDS is focusing on strengthening diverse restoration strategies and other dynamic approaches.
“This includes strengthening partnerships and collaboration with more corporate agencies, government bodies, educational institutions, NGOs as well as local communities.
“I also hope that this programme will benefit the participants and the community living surrounding the area in the long run,” Jack aid.
