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Pak. J. Bot., 44: 27-36, Special Issue May 2012.

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CONSERVATION STRATEGIES FOR ENDANGERED MANGROVE SWAMP FORESTS IN MALAYSIA

A. Latiff

Abstract: Ecosystem diversity in Malaysia is represented by various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems from deep seas to montane forests. Species diversity is represented by about 15,000 plant species and more than 6000 animal species, excluding insects, the largest and most diverse group which is inadequately known. As the country is pursuing for industrialization conflicts may necessarily occur for biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development, unless strict sustainable development is adopted. Currently 1.39 million ha (about 7.6%) area under forests of all types has been set aside for biodiversity conservation including mangrove swamp forests. However, a framework for managing biodiversity in protected areas especially that of mangrove ecosystem is inadequate.  The country is yet to define priorities for conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem diversity. The impacts of eco-tourism, agriculture and urbanization on mangrove forests are yet to be ascertained. In the absence of concrete data of mangrove biodiversity loss it is difficult to assess the vulnerability of this fragile ecosystem in the light of looming socio-economic development. Many factors contributing to mangrove loss include rapid socio-economic development of the country that has transformed vast mangrove forests for agriculture and resettlement and subsequently created semi-urban and industrial areas which are relatively poor in mangroves. These changing land-use patterns are affecting not only mangrove ecosystems but also the environment per se. Other factor such as pollution had also contributed in small part. These activities had led to significant mangrove loss, degradation and fragmentation. The strategies needed for mangrove biodiversity include assessment of land-use patterns, benefit sharing mechanism and some legal measures for sustainable use and protection of mangrove biodiversity.

Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Malaysia

Corresponding author’s e-mail: latiff@ukm.my