Raja Musa Forest Reserve Peat Swamp Rehabilitation

Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Protection of natural ecosystems, Knowledge creation and awareness raising

The implementer presented the following goals for the intervention: 1. To recover parts of the forest cover through a tree planting programme aiming to prevent encroachment into the forest thus reducing the risk of fire and increasing carbon storage capacity. 2. To ensure the involvement of local communities through the leadership of Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest Association (FNSPSFA). 3. To build the capacity of FNSPSFA through training and implementation programmes involving government partners and other stakeholders. 4. To develop the community's continued stewardship to sustain the restored forest reserve together with institutional authorities by building a relationship with the Forestry Department and other national bodies. 5. To prepare a documented model of low-cost hydrologic restoration of peat swamp forest and a documented model on local collaborative peat swamp forest management. 6. To suggest documented models for local income-generating livelihoods as complementary to peat swamp forest rehabilitation. 7. To prepare regional workshops as well as media engagement in order to promote the project's approach and techniques. (2)

The project has been implemented by several stakeholders led by the Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest Association (FNSPSFA), starting in 2010. 29,635 ha of degraded peat swamp forest was rehabilitated with the planting of more than 17,383 trees by the local communities and FNSPSFA. Two main species were used for creating the forest cover/replanting: Euodia spp (tenggek burung) and Macarangga spp. (Mahang). For the purpose of capacity building of FNSPSFA, community training on peatland water management and fire prevention was organised in collaboration with the Drainage and Irrigation Department and Fire & Rescue Department. For the purpose of sustainable ecotourism, an interpretative trail in the adjacent Sungai Karang Forest Reserve with safety facilities (near to Agrotourism Homestay) was established by FNSPSFA, and local handicrafts were produced from peat swamp forest resources (peat tree stumps, rattan, bamboo and pandanus leaves). FNSPSFA Mini Handicraft Stall was established to promote handicraft products (mat, baskets, Batik painting and minicraft) and it is managed by FNSPSFA members from Kg. Ampangan and located in Agrotourism Homestay Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor. A network of community groups was established and an annual forum on community-based natural resource management was organised for the network to exchange successful experiences in ecosystem restoration and community livelihood. For the purpose of close linkages with the ongoing work of the Forestry Department, selected villages and community groups (Sahabat Hutan Gambut Selangor Utara) and local authorities were connected by the Global Environment Centre (GEC) with the Forestry Department as well as other relevant government agencies for long term collaboration and continuous updates on new development in terms of peat swamp ecosystem & peatland line forest rehabilitation. After the project period, the GEC continues to provide periodic input to the groups mentioned and link them with GEC's national network which links community-based forest projects in Malaysia. After the project period, the project is replicated in new villages around the area and/or other parts of the peat swamp forest in the Selangor state. (2)

• National-level government
• Local government/Municipality
• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Citizens or community groups