Mangrove Planting

MANGROVES – A NATURAL PROTECTION AGAINST FLOODS

In Malaysia, floods are particularly frequent and they often cause serious harm and destruction across the country. From school and road closures to property damage, loss of homes and even deaths, it is common to see the livelihoods of thousands disrupted – especially in flood-prone areas.

To mitigate the impact of floods, mangrove trees can be planted along the coasts of high flood-risk areas. While mangroves do not directly prevent floods, its roots can reduce the strength of storm surges and oncoming waves.

The local community can also benefit from mangroves in many other ways. As one of the most productive types of wetland, mangroves can provide food, medicine, and raw materials for various applications. It can also act as a feeding and nursery ground for fish species that are important to local fishermen as a source of income. On a larger scale, mangroves are also rich ecological habitats for biodiversity to seek protection and shelter — a place to call home.

MSIG Malaysia recognises that there is much to gain from having mangroves in flood-prone areas. We collaborated with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), a well-established and prominent non-government organisation (NGO), and tapped on their expertise in habitat conservation and environmental education to create a mangrove planting programme.

The programme kicked off with a planting activity in Kuantan. To prepare for the planting session, mangrove tree seedlings were first nurtured at nurseries while a clean-up was conducted at the selected planting site. This is to ensure that the conditions of the area are favourable for young mangrove trees to grow.

The planting session in October 2019 saw 22 of our staff planting 150 mangrove seedlings along Cherating River, north of Kuantan. Under the stewardship of MNS, the programme will produce a report that includes information such as the growth of biodiversity in the area.

Beyond Kuantan, we are exploring other flood-prone areas in Malaysia to plant more mangrove seedlings. Stay tuned as we share our progress.