BwN Tanjung Kepah Mangrove Action Project

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Tanjung Kepah, a coastal village nestled in the Manjung District of Perak, is home to a vibrant community whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the nature. The majority of residents are traditional fishermen who rely on the rich natural resources of the coastal and mangrove forest including harvesting fish, shrimp, and shellfish.

Since 2004, the coastline has suffered from severe erosion, significantly degrading the mangrove ecosystem and threatening marine biodiversity. This environmental decline has had a direct and profound impact on the local community, particularly those who depend on the collection of fishes, clams, crabs, and other marine produce for their income.

In response to this growing crisis, the Tanjung Kepah Mangrove Action Project (TKMAP) is implementing a sustainable solution using permeable wave screen structure made from bamboo poles that mimic natural coastal defences. These eco-friendly installations help in sedimentation, improve soil stability, and create suitable conditions for mangrove regeneration. They also act as wave breakers, protecting newly planted mangrove saplings from harsh wave energy and significantly boosting their survival rate.

This initiative adopts the Building with Nature (BwN) approach, an innovative, nature-based solution that offers a climate-resilient, cost-effective alternative to traditional hard infrastructure like seawalls or breakwaters. By working with natural processes instead of against them, the project supports both ecosystem restoration and community resilience in the face of climate change.

Through TKMAP, the adoption of the BwN approach is envisioned to achieve:

1.  Stabilised and restored Tanjung Kepah Shoreline
2.  Recovery of degraded mangrove forest for local use and conservation
3.  Stronger community resilience against climate impacts

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A pilot project on building with nature that will help in the natural regeneration of mangroves and control coastal erosion.

Ms Azwani Sahibu

Azwani Sahibu

Technical officer

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