Proteção da biodiversidade na Malásia
Malaysia has some of the oldest and most biodiverse lowland forests on the planet. Unfortunately, deforestation and degradation of forests, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict are threatening forests and biodiversity across Malaysia. We’re partnering with WWF-Switzerland and WWF-Malaysia on a project to protect one of the country’s many crucial forests.
Launched in early 2024, our project focuses on the Ulu Muda Forest Complex, located in the state of Kedah in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The forest is home to a huge number and diversity of plants and animals, including a large population of endangered Asian elephants. Many locals depend on the forest ecosystem for their livelihoods.
With the support of local partners, the project aims to improve the management of over 170,000 hectares of forest and pilot the restoration of 25 hectares of degraded area in the landscape.
Our aim is to ensure a resilient landscape that can continue to provide vital ecosystem services for the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia – ensuring water security that enables economic growth, as well as contributing to the nation’s food security.
Proteção do ecossistema florestal
O Complexo Florestal de Ulu Muda abrange cerca de 164.000 hectares de floresta abundante em oito reservas florestais interligadas. Juntamente com seu corredor ecológico, toda a paisagem se estende por 172.563 hectares. Como uma das últimas grandes florestas de planície intactas remanescentes na Malásia, é um hotspot de biodiversidade.
Despite its importance, the forest ecosystem is under threat. About 80% of the forest is designated for timber production. Loosened soil during timber harvesting washes into waterways, degrading water quality. Furthermore, periodic droughts and floods, intensified by climate change, have worsened the risk towards water and food security. As their habitat shrinks and land-use development at the edge of the forest intensifies, elephants are encroaching on nearby villages, causing conflict with local people.
Nosso projeto espera mudar isso. Para melhorar o gerenciamento e a conservação na região, a equipe de conservação do WWF-Malásia monitorará a área e conduzirá esforços para defender sua proteção. Os locais críticos para reflorestamento serão identificados e restaurados, envolvendo vários métodos de restauração, monitoramento e manutenção.
Ao mesmo tempo em que serve de refúgio para uma abundância de vida selvagem, mais de 4.900 pessoas de vilarejos vizinhos dependem de Ulu Muda para obter água, alimentos e meios de subsistência.
Most local people earn a living through rubber tapping, fishing, boating, ecotourism, and other traditional activities connected to the forest. As an important water catchment, Ulu Muda’s forests provide water to meet significant domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs, including the irrigation required for rice production in Kedah, a state renowned as Malaysia’s “Rice Bowl”.
We know that local communities are deeply connected with Ulu Muda and the services it provides. Alongside restoration and management activities, the project will help raise awareness about the importance of the forest and empower local communities to champion conservation efforts.
Leia sobre nosso outro projeto de parceria
Restoring forest landscapes in Mexico
The Central Pacific Landscape is home to some of Mexico’s richest nature. The area and its biodiversity are increasingly threatened by land use changes and degradation linked to expansion of agricultural and livestock production. Our project will improve the management of 100,000 hectares of forest and restore 750 hectares of forest, creating habitat corridors for jaguars.
All photos © or used with permission of WWF.