Kota Damansara Community Forest Reserve (KDCFR)

Creation of new green areas, Protection of natural ecosystems, Knowledge creation and awareness raising

The overarching objective is to ensure that Kota Damansara Community Forest Park is effectively managed by the local community in partnership with the local and state government. The goals were defined as follows: 1. To develop the first model system for the local resident expert groups to be involved in the conservation of biodiversity in local parks and open spaces through building capacity activities. This model may be replicated elsewhere in Malaysia (1). 2. To develop a biodiversity master plan including an inventory to help the reserve to function as a forest ecosystem, a wildlife habitat, a water body and a recreation area (1). 3. To harness the traditional knowledge and expertise of Temuan (local indigenous group) for medicinal plant conservation by establishing an ethnobotanical garden (1). 4. To conserve and protect various species of trees, woody climbers, herbaceous plants, as well as freshwater fish such as Toman (giant snakehead), myriad aquatic insects, frogs and snails (2). 5. To serve as a Riparian Buffer Zone (RBZ) / Riparian Forest Buffer (RFB), an important rehabilitation zone between land and water that promotes the protection of aquatic life and terrestrial wildlife habitat (7). 6. To use the park facilities to generate income towards the sustainability of the park in the long term (1). 7. To establish more awareness raising and information dissemination, documentation and nature trails, along with the training of more nature guides and interpretive experts (1). 8. To conserve tree populations that will eventually contribute significantly to the sequestration of carbon (2).

The intervention was initiated in 2010 when SGP awarded a grant to the Damansara Residency Residents' Association (DRRA) Committee (an entity that manages the reserve) in order to achieve its conservation and protection objectives. Previous to any action, studies were undertaken and included mapping of plant conservation areas to protect "2 endemic species found within the reserve, camera trapping to ascertain the wildlife species found within the forest, and distribution of forest types and quality of cover in order to prescribe rehabilitation efforts" (1). It was concluded that the reserve keeps intact significant populations of plants and animals which show the rich biodiversity of the area. Furthermore, there was regular liaison through meetings and consultations with the Forestry Department and local council. Ecologists from Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and MNS were consulted prior to finalising the alignment of new trails to ensure all patches of rare plants are avoided. 14km of trails have been constructed in phases including one for the disabled community. 5 mountain biking cum hiking trails have been constructed (Scouts trail, Temuan trail, Sahabat trail, Harmoni trail, Unity trail) which make up over 10km according to International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) (1,2,5). The Ethnobotanical garden established has 800 meters and more than 100 useful plants have been documented. The garden is used by the Temuan community for food, flavouring, medicine, craft and building in their natural setting (5). Furthermore, a Medicinal Herb Garden which serves as a nursery to propagate rare plant species was set up by the local indigenous people, Orang Asli, who possess the expertise and traditional knowledge in medicinal herbs and plants (1).

• Local government/Municipality
• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Researchers/University
• Citizens or community groups
• Marginalized groups: Socio-economically disadvantaged populations (e.g. low-income households, unemployed), People with functional diversities, Other
• Young people and children