Study Tour: “Mangrove Forests in Malaysia”
The study tour would visit Kuala Sepetang, Sungai Besar and Putrajaya Wetlands. Kuala Sepetang is well known for its mangrove swamp reserve park. While Putrajaya Wetlands, is believed to be the largest constructed freshwater wetlands in the tropics.
In cooperation with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), APAFRI would be organizing a study tour with the theme of “Mangrove Forests in Malaysia” in July 2007. The study tour would visit Kuala Sepetang, Sungai Besar and Putrajaya Wetlands.
Kuala Sepetang is a town located in Perak, north of Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia; and is well known for its mangrove swamp reserve park. Participants will visit the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve which is the largest mangrove forest reserve in Malaysia and among the best managed of such forests worldwide. Covering an area of more than 40 000 ha (about 99 000 sq. miles), it has also been recognised as an outstanding example of conservation and management of the rich biodiversity that thrive throughout the mangrove and mudflat ecosystems.
A visit to Sungai Besar, located in Selangor, will give participants a new experience on how mangrove trees are grown to protect the shores and lessen the impact of waves in the future. In order to protect the mangrove trees from the waves, a series of embankments known as Pillowtube is set up as a protective shield at the coastal areas that will allow fragile mangrove saplings time to grow their roots and mature in the sheltered deltas. These mangrove trees would then provide a barrier against tidal waves and protect the coastlines from erosion.
Putrajaya Wetlands, believed to be the largest constructed freshwater wetlands in the tropics, is one of the attractive landmarks of Putrajaya, the Malaysian Federal Government Administration Centre, located about 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur. Covering a total area of 335 ha, the wetlands consist of 24 wetland cells built along the Chua and Bisa rivers. Marshes and swamps were developed in these cells by transplanting more than 70 species of wetland plants. Several species of fish have also been introduced into the wetland cells to further enhance their biodiversity. The area has also fast becoming a wildlife sanctuary, and has attracted lots of birds and small mammals.
Duration: 16-20 July 2007
Minimum/Maximum no. of participants: 8/15
Fee: USD 750 per person (covers course fee, learning materials, accommodation, meals and local transportation). Please note that participants are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and insurance coverage as well as air tickets to and from Malaysia. A deposit of USD350 is required before the study tour to confirm participation. Accepted participants would be contacted regarding payment of this deposit.
Application form: Application must be submitted before 15 June 2007.
Contact Person:
Sim Heok-Choh
Executive Director
Tel: 6-03-62797536, 6-03-62722516
Fax: 6-03-62773249
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Ms. Syuqiyah Abdul Hamid
Information Officer
Tel: 6-03-62797586, 6-03-62722516
Fax: 6-03-62773249
E-mail: [email protected]
