Bio-diversity

Raja Musa Forest Reserve (RMFR) is located in the north western part of Selangor. It is part of the North Selangor Peatswamp Forest (NSPSF) which is the largest peat swamp forest complex in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is approximately 23,000 ha in area cover and of this 1,000 ha was degraded due to illegal encroachment and frequent fire episodes. NSPSF plays an important role to the well-being of the local community who lived near the forest. Locally the NSPSF plays an important role in supplying water for domestic use (Tanjong Karang and Sekinchan); irrigating water for agricultural areas especially the rice fields and as well as source of protein (freshwater swamp fisheries). Project activities include formation of a stakeholders committee, capacity building of the local community in rehabilitation of degraded peat swamp area with water management, implementation of rehabilitation strategies, peat swamp forest awareness programme with the local community and dissemination of education materials, evaluation and monitoring of project activities for state and national communication. Local communities are the key stakeholders and they will be trained and engaged in the project. The local community will be involved in decision making, be mobilized and trained to take local action to conserve biodiversity and be prepared to combat the predicted impact of climate change such as forest fire and haze, which are related to GEF & SGP focal areas. Public education, improved stewardship, and integrated land management are required to ensure protection of the Selangor peatland. It is important that landowners and land users are knowledgeable and involved in making decisions regarding peatland to benefit both people and nature.

Malaysia