Kuala lumpur: The conservation of Malaysia's mangrove ecosystems must go hand in hand with uplifting the communities whose lives and livelihoods are intertwined with these coastal forests, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, while mangroves are vital for shielding coastlines, safeguarding biodiversity and locking away carbon, their true worth lies not just in their environmental services, but in the people, traditions and ways of life they sustain, he emphasised. Syed Ibrahim highlighted that behind every mangrove ecosystem are communities whose lives depend on it, generations of traditional knowledge, industries that have grown around it, and ways of life that have been shaped over time.
He questioned the meaning of sustainable development if an ecosystem becomes more valuable, but the people living alongside it do not experience that value. This sentiment was expressed during the launch of the International Conference Kuala Sepetang Sustainable Living Model.
Malaysia is abundantly blessed with rich forests and invaluable natural ecosystems, said Syed Ibrahim, citing mangrove forests and peat swamp forests as valuable natural assets. He described them as prime examples of nature providing natural buffers against coastal erosion and flooding while simultaneously supporting fisheries and other economic activities that sustain local livelihoods.
Sharing his recent visit to the Kuantan Mangrove Park, Syed Ibrahim said the experience reinforced his appreciation of the invaluable role mangroves play in protecting the environment and supporting local communities. He noted that what appears to be a calm and tranquil ecosystem is in fact working tirelessly every day, protecting coastlines from erosion and flooding, providing habitats for diverse species, and serving as a living classroom where people can better understand nature.
He stressed that conserving mangrove ecosystems should not come at the expense of traditional industries, but instead create opportunities for innovation and sustainable economic growth. Syed Ibrahim emphasized the importance of protecting forests while ensuring that traditional industries continue to thrive and innovate, preserving the wisdom of previous generations while ensuring young people see a future and new opportunities in this heritage.
Initiatives such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), blue carbon, carbon credits, environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and the green economy have become increasingly vital in shaping a sustainable future. However, Syed Ibrahim stressed that any new economic model must be built on a solid foundation of credible scientific data, transparent measurement, integrity and good governance to ensure lasting public confidence and trust.
He concluded by stating that the policies formulated, innovations introduced, and investments made must deliver tangible benefits to the people. True sustainability is achieved when nature is protected, the economy continues to grow, and communities are empowered to prosper alongside the environment.