Rehabilitation & Conservation of Gamat in Langkawi
April 27, 2023
WEHAB++ Committees
April 27, 2023Tasik Chini, located about 100 kilometres from Pahang’s state capital of Kuantan, is the second-largest freshwater lake in the country. It is endowed with a rich and extensive tropical biodiversity leading to its recognition as the first biosphere reserve site in Malaysia under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) in 2009.
Objectives
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To review and determine the impacts on socioeconomic sustainability due to the threats and risks related to existing and planned development for the TCB.
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To provide a brief review of the ecosystem and biodiversity status in TCB and TCBR.
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To evaluate related governance instruments governing TCB.
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To recommend appropriate restoration approaches that could help accelerate TCB and TCBR’s recovery process.
An engagement with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA) was held on 11 February 2022. The engagement aimed to further understand the initiatives that have been carried out and are being planned by KeTSA to preserve and conserve TCB and TCBR, as well as their view on critical projects that will be essential for TCB and TCBR’s sustainability.
ASM has worked closely with KeTSA to present the findings and recommendations of the study to the Pahang State Government. ASM is also exploring potential collaboration and funding opportunities with KeTSA for a more detailed study on Tasik Chini, particularly on water quality and soil erosion.
The recommendations were made from the perspectives of governance, biophysics, as well as socio-economics to improve the biodiversity of TCB and TCBR. The recommendations provide crucial ecosystem functions, services, and stability to the area through an integrated management framework built on the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. It is envisioned that the report can be a supporting document for both state and federal authorities to ensure the perpetual integrity and sustainability of TCB and TCBR for decades to come.
As TCB- and TCBR-matters lie under the purview of the Pahang State Government, it is important that their buy-in is secured first and foremost. Thus, ASM liaised with the Pahang State Secretary Office as the anchor collaborator to provide meaningful input. It is crucial for ASM to develop and maintain strong collaborative networks with all state governments to ensure their buy-in and involvement within all ASM initiatives.
Between February and March 2022, engagements with the following Pahang State Government Offices were organised to discuss and gain views of stakeholders on TCB and TCBR:
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Department of Wildlife & National Parks (PERHILITAN) Pahang
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Department of Town & Country Planning Pahang (PLANMalaysia@Pahang)
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Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) Pahang
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Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) Pahang
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Department of Environment Pahang
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Pekan District & Land Office
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Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) Pahang
Field trips and exploratory visits to Tasik Chini were held to gather first-hand information in the form of biological samples and observations, as well as input from the local communities.
