TANJUNG MANIS: The mangrove forest area within Rajang Mangrove National Park (RMNP) is increasingly gaining recognition as a strategic asset that not only protects the environment but also creates new economic opportunities for local communities.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said that the shift in approach from logging activities to forest conservation has introduced a new dimension to more sustainable economic development.
According to him, mangrove ecosystems play a crucial role in naturally absorbing carbon, positioning areas such as RMNP to tap into the rapidly expanding global carbon credit market.
He said that reforestation efforts not only help reduce carbon emissions but can also generate economic returns through carbon credit trading, particularly with countries that have high carbon emissions.
“At the same time, RMNP provides direct benefits to local communities through nature-based economic activities such as crab farming, cockle harvesting and other marine resources, carried out sustainably without harming the ecosystem.
“This approach indirectly reduces dependence on traditional logging, while ensuring that community income sources remain secure in the long term,” he said during the filming session of an Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) documentary titled ‘Pasak Bakau Rajang’ under the Simfoni Alam series, held at Kampung Rajang Jetty recently.
Elaborating further, Len, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, stressed the importance of the younger generation’s role in preserving the sustainability of the area so that its benefits can be continuously enjoyed.
