The biological diversity of the project site, Sedili Kecil river has received attention from well known botanist, Prof. Dr. Edred John Henry Corner since the 1970’s. Corner expounds the wonders of Sedili Kecil as a distinct gradation of riverine biodiversity and vegetation of freshwater ecosystems. In 1978, Corner, wrote “I have since traveled the length of the Amazon … and learned that, though immensely vaster, the variety and grandeur of the forest did not equal that along the Sedili”.

However, the unique wetland biodiversity of this habitat is being threatened by development into village settlements and agriculture areas. The unsustainable and rapid development of the wetlands around the river has resulted in loss of biodiversity, habitat degradation, and pollution of the water. The major threat to the riverine biodiversity is habitat loss due to logging, conversion into oil palm plantations, and pollution from aquaculture ponds, sand mining and invasive species (Mimosa pigra).  In recent years the Johor State Government realized that this unique area rich in biological diversity is under threat and engaged Wetlands International – Malaysia to conduct an ecological and socio-economic assessment of Sedili Kechil river and its associated wetlands in 2003.

The proposed project will focus on the empowerment of the local communities living along the river through capacity building and awareness raising, equipping the community with conservation knowledge and skill for their active involvement and participation in the development of the nature-based tourism for the new Ramsar Site.

The expected outcome of this project is:

·        The local communities are aware that Sedili Kechil river will be gazetted as Ramsar Site and they know what benefits and implications that will have for their livelihoods.

·        Formation of local interest group in developing alternative livelihood options such as ecotourism river cruises on Sedili Kechil river for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of the wetland resource.