IUCN, Malaysian Nature Society and Chery Group join forces to restore Malaysia's mangrove

The initiative targets a coastline known for its highly diverse mangrove ecosystems and internationally recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBAs). The North-central Selangor Coast provides refuge to over 50,000 shorebirds that migrate during the winter months and shelter on the mudflats. As rapid development, illegal mangrove extraction, pollution and climate change threaten the health of this vital coastline, urgent action is needed to protect the mangroves that provide shelter for thousands of species.

Through the project, supported by Chery Malaysia, OMODA and JAECOO Malaysia, IUCN and MNS will work to conserve and restore the degraded mangrove ecosystems of the North-central Selangor Coast. IUCN's science-backed tools will be used to identify priority mangrove restoration sites, which will be rehabilitated with mangrove saplings nurtured in nurseries established by local communities.

At least six hectares of degraded mangrove areas will be restored by trained members of the local community, including women's groups, blending science with traditional ecological knowledge. Following this, monitoring and evaluation post-planting will track ecological gains and ensure the planted mangrove saplings are growing optimally. Public outreach and environmental education will also support raising awareness of the role that different stakeholder groups, including Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, schools, government agencies and the private sector, can play in mangrove conservation.

To mark the launch of the project in Malaysia, MNS, Chery and IUCN welcomed 200 representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, local communities, and private corporations to the Kuala Selangor Nature Park to learn more about the unique biodiversity of this area. The participants took part in biodiversity assessments and mangrove planting activities designed to raise awareness of the importance of community-led conservation efforts.

By combining scientific expertise, community engagement and corporate support, the project offers a model for safeguarding the mangroves that sustain thousands of species in Malaysia. Through this partnership, IUCN is committed to working with our partners to protect vital coastal ecosystems for many generations to come.