Activities Report Jul 2000 Newsletter

MANGROVE FOREST CLEARANCE
           The Malaysia Nature Society (MNS) is greatly concerned by the illegal land clearing of mangrove swamp along Kuala Kedah coastline. In the last 2 decades Peninsular Malaysia has lost more then one-third of its mangrove forest, if left unchecked such illegal encroachment would result a great loss to the nation.
       Mangroves are a highly productive and socio-economically important ecosystem and they also protect the coastal environment. The lost of a mangrove ecosystem due to human activities may have dire consequences such as depletion of productivity of inshore and offshore fisheries; an important source of income revenue and food security. Human settlements in mangrove areas have expanded gradually over the years and has covered vast tracks of productive mangrove land. Humans have also discharged large amounts of waste and sediments into coastal waters.
          Mangroves represent a rich and diverse living resource. They are a source of firewood, charcoal, tannin extraction and other products. Mangroves also play an important role as food source, shelter and nurseries for marine life. Mangrove forests serve as a buffer between marine and terrestrial ecosystem, which is important to the stability and maintenance of adjoining ecosystem such as sea-grass and marine ecosystem.
         Clearing of mangrove in Kuala Kedah will damage the earth bund which protected the padi fields from salt intrusion from the sea. If a rock bund is built to replace the earth bund, it will not only cost millions but also alter the surrounding environment. The construction process will change the physio-chemical properties such as sedimentation, soil erosion and turbidity.
         MNS hopes that the authorities will conduct an immediate investigation and stop the illegal activities. Enforcement should be carried out to prevent any further illegal encroachment in Kuala Kedah mangrove swamp and also all mangrove areas in Malaysia. Local communities can also contribute to mangrove conservation by reporting such matter immediately to the authorities.  They must also play their part in conserving their heritage to ensure the continuous of living resource of mangrove swamp in Kuala Kedah. 


Dato' Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor 
Kuala Lumpur, 24 March 2000

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Created on 5th Jul 2000