KUCHING: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) together with Japan Malaysia Association (JMA) and the folk of Kampung Buntal has planted about 1,000 of two mangrove species, namely, rhizophoramucronata and rhizophoraapiculata.
The tree planting programme is part of FDS coastal landscape restoration efforts, which is also aimed at increasing public awareness of the importance of mangrove trees to maintain the greenery, quality of landscape and environment that contributes towards a healthy and safe life.
FDS director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said that coastal forests in the country are valuable assets that need to be protected and preserved.
“The coastal forests play an important role in maintaining ecological cycles, reduce soil erosion and provide food security to the local community.
“For instance, mangrove trees could act as a natural infrastructure and protection for the coastline from erosion; prevent tsunami, and provide habitat for aquatic animals,” he said during the coastal landscape restoration programme today.
“The Sarawak government through the FDS is always committed to the management and conservation of coastal forests,” he said.
He said the department would also always support any programme of planting mangrove trees and suitable species on along the coast.
“As such, effective and sustainable forest management requires the integrated involvement of various parties,” he said.
He added that FDS has long cooperated with JMA and has been actively involved in tree planting together with local communities since 1995.
“Therefore, we hope to continue to enhance cooperation with non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies as well as local residents in these conservation efforts so that the state government’s commitment on its restoration efforts can be realised,” he said.
