WETLAND CONSERVATION CRUCIAL IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE, BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGES - FRIM DG

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- The conservation of wetland areas is one of the country’s strategic priorities in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and development pressure, said Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan.

As such, he said the World Wetlands Day 2026 celebration organised by the institute today focused on raising awareness of the importance of conserving wetland ecosystems and their role in environmental sustainability.

“In Malaysia, wetlands cover about 5.1 million hectares of natural areas such as peat swamps, mangroves, rivers, lakes and coral reefs, as well as about 699,980 hectares of artificial wetlands, including lakes and padi fields, bringing the total to 31 wetland types.

“Wetland ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance as they function as natural filters, carbon sinks, water catchment areas, buffers against coastal erosion and habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna,” he said in his speech at the event held at Paya Burung, FRIM Forest Park, here.

Also present were FRIM deputy director-general (Research) and chairperson of the programme Dr Norwati Muhammad, deputy director-general (Operations) Mahmudin Saleh and Johor National Parks Corporation (PTNJ) director Taufik Bahar.

Ismail said FRIM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and related agencies, plays a role in promoting holistic and integrated wetland management through research, development and education for the benefit of stakeholders, industry players and the public.

He said World Wetlands Day is observed annually on Feb 2 to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 and to raise public awareness of the critical role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity and reducing disaster risks.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, highlights the importance of traditional knowledge and  local community practices in managing wetland ecosystems in a harmonious and sustainable manner.

At the event, Ismail also launched a book titled “Hutan Paya Laut Sungai Kuantan” and officiated the symbolic planting of a tampoi tree at the FRIM Fruit Arboretum.

Meanwhile, Norwati said the celebration serves as a platform to enhance public understanding of the importance of wetland conservation, while also emphasising the role of community involvement and multi-stakeholder cooperation to ensure sustained efforts.

In conjunction with the celebration, Norwati said FRIM organised various activities, including a walk with nature programme, colouring and photography competitions, interactive exhibitions and cultural booths involving participation from local communities and visitors.

She said two public talks on the importance of wetlands were also held on Jan 24 and Jan 31 as part of education and public awareness efforts.

The event today also saw the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between FRIM and the Johor National Parks Corporation as a symbol of their joint commitment to providing a research platform focused on wetland ecosystems. The collaboration aims to strengthen research, conservation and sustainable management through the sharing of expertise and resources.

FRIM is among the world’s leading tropical forestry research institutions, and the FRIM Forest Park Selangor was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 11, 2025, recognising its scientific, ecological and historical significance.

Located on a 545-hectare site adjacent to the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve, FRIM serves as a centre for research, education and environmental conservation, as well as a forest-based ecotourism destination.

-- BERNAMA