100 VOLUNTEERS JOIN ‘DISCOVER KINABENUWA: HEART OF MANGROVE’ CSR DRIVE 

LABUAN, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 100 volunteers from the Labuan community and schools joined hands on Saturday to protect and restore the island’s mangrove ecosystem through the Discover Kinabenuwa: Heart of Mangrove programme.

The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative was organised by the Department of Federal Territories (JWP) in collaboration with Labuan Corporation and Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa.

The event brought together volunteers from various backgrounds, including students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus and community members to raise awareness on the importance of conserving the Kinabenuwa Mangrove Ecological Park ecosystem.

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JWP, in a statement to Bernama today, said 200 mangrove saplings of the Rhizophora Apiculata (Bakau Minyak) and Rhizophora Mucronata (Bakau Kurap) species were planted at the park to strengthen the coastal barrier against erosion and waves while fostering environmental stewardship among participants.

Covering 374.21 hectares, Kinabenuwa is Labuan’s largest mangrove area and home to 47 plant species across 23 families, including several threatened species such as Intsia bijuga (Merbau Ipil), Sonneratia x hainanensis (Gedabu Hibrid) and Sonneratia ovata (Gedabu).

The area also hosts Borneo’s endemic species Osbornia octodonta (Gelam Laut), adding scientific value to the site.

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Apart from the tree-planting activity, volunteers also conducted a cleanup of floating waste to preserve the habitat’s natural condition for both flora and fauna.

Kinabenuwa’s waters are rich in plankton that sustain abundant fish populations, while its mangrove habitat shelters mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, molluscs and at least 12 bird species, including the near-threatened Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster).

Gazetted as a Forest Reserve on July 11, 2023, Kinabenuwa was later recognised as an eco-tourism hub on March 5, 2024, strengthening Labuan’s commitment to green and sustainable tourism.

It is also known as a breeding ground for fireflies along Sungai Kinta Benuwa, further enhancing its eco-tourism potential.

“Through these mangrove planting and cleanup activities, volunteers are not only conserving the environment but also cultivating a sense of collective responsibility in preserving Labuan’s natural ecosystem,” JWP said.

The Discover Kinabenuwa: Heart of Mangrove programme supports Labuan’s vision of becoming a Green and Sustainable Federal Territory, where physical and tourism development align with environmental conservation and community well-being.

-- BERNAMA