In line with the YB Prime Minister’s call in March
2005 to restore degraded areas so that people lives and their livelihoods
are not adversely affected when faced with natural disasters such as
tsunami and typhoons. Ricoh (M) Sdn Bhd take the initiative to replant
estimated 2000 seedling in Kuala Gula, Perak which will be held on 4th
–5th May 2006 in conjunction with the celebration of World Environmental
Day. We aim to promote public awareness on the importance of mangrove
ecosystems through direct community participation among stakeholder,
which are Ricoh’s staff, Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment,
Forestry Department, Wetland International, local community as well
as school children. The replanting site will be used as a demonstration
site on community participatory project for mangrove conservation. Ricoh
(M) Sdn Bhd funds this project and we have engaged with partnership
with Wetland International.
Site Info
Kuala Gula in Perak is made up of different wetlands consisting of rivers,
mangrove islands, mudflats, estuaries and fringes of mangrove forests
along the coast. It is an important area for fisheries as a majority
of the local community (nearly half of them are in the fishing industry)
involved in the harvesting of fish, shrimp and shellfish as well as
in post harvesting activities.
The mudflats and adjacent mangrove areas are attracting
many species of migratory shorebirds and water birds where some species
are residents. It is the only location in Malaysia, which has a viable
population of the endangered Milky Stork.
Two community based eco-tourism organisations were
set up in Kuala Gula in 2003 during a 2-year project funded by the Danish
Government. They are Community Eco-Tourism Activity (CETA) and Keindahan
Alam Laut Aktiviti Manusia (KALAM). Members of the two organizations
have been trained in nature guiding and nature interpretation skills
and some members are licensed guides endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism.
May 2006
