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
Back to Jul 2000 Newsletter
index
[
Back to MNS Perak Home ]
Created on 5th Jul 2000