KUCHING: Malaysia’s mangrove forests are set to receive a major boost through the launch of the Blue Carbon Collective Project.
The project, aimed at restoring coastal ecosystems and tackling climate change, brings together PETRONAS, Mercedes-Benz, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the University of Sao Paulo (USP) in Brazil.
Launched during the Energy and Nature Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, the initiative focuses on conservation efforts at the Sungai Santi Forest Reserve in Kota Tinggi, Johor—an area rich in mangrove biodiversity.
“The initiative combines local expertise with international research, drawing on USP’s methodology developed under Brazil’s BlueShore Project.
This approach will guide Malaysian researchers in restoring and improving carbon storage in coastal ecosystems,” it said in a statement.
Commenting on the collaboration, UPM’s Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Professor Azlizam Aziz, said the effort is a vital contribution to environmental protection.
“At Sungai Santi, Johor, a vital effort is underway to protect our planet. With the support of PETRONAS, UPM is advancing blue carbon initiatives using the USP Blue Carbon experience to restore and safeguard coastal ecosystems.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to PETRONAS for their generous funding and to USP for their invaluable collaboration in building a greener, more sustainable future,” he said.
Meanwhile, project lead Dr. Waseem Razzaq Khan said the initiative represents a critical step in strengthening ecosystem resilience through nature-based solutions.
“The Blue Carbon Collective Project in Malaysia marks a significant initiative for the conservation and restoration of the mangrove ecosystem at Sungai Santi, Johor.
This project represents a critical step toward enhancing ecosystem resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions.
We are deeply grateful to PETRONAS and Mercedes-Benz for their generous funding support, and we greatly value the involvement of the University of Sao Paulo (USP) as a research partner contributing scientific expertise and technical guidance to this important endeavour,” he said.
