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CONSERVATION OF THE URBAN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM: |
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| Ainon Salam¹, Laura Khor² & Cavendishe Pandliling² | |
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¹WWF-Malaysia, c/o Environmental Education Centre, |
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| An urban ecosystem is generally regarded as a disturbed and altered environment. Efforts to conserve and restore such an environment are both challenging and interesting. This paper discusses the unique collaboration of the non-governmental organizations and public and private sectors, known as the Likas Wetlands Sanctuary Management Committee, in managing the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. The challenges and opportunities encountered in managing an urban mangrove reserve are different from those in remote areas. Various programmes, with funding from government and private bodies, have been carried out for conservation and restoration, research, education and public awareness, and for tourism and recreation. These programmes include mangrove replanting, environmental education, physio-chemical analysis and the visitor interpretation programme. Despite challenges due to its location in prime land, and the rapid development surrounding the urban wetland, the Sanctuary is set to edge closer towards self-sustainability in the long-term with continued collaboration between the various parties involved. | |
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