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The International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem 2026

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Published on: August 12, 2026

Tags: Community stewardship, Strategic partnerships, Habitat recovery, Environmental sustainability

In conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, a collaborative mangrove replanting activity was successfully held at Tanjung Kepah, Perak. The program was jointly organized by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Persatuan Pencinta Bakau Tanjung Kepah. This meaningful effort brought together students and members of the local community to participate in a hands-on conservation activity aimed at restoring coastal ecosystems and strengthening the resilience of Malaysia’s wetlands through nature-based solutions.

A total of 300 mangrove seedlings—comprising Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata—were planted in the identified coastal zones within Tanjung Kepah. These true mangrove species with unique and complex stilt roots are crucial for stabilizing shorelines, mitigating erosion, and creating sanctuary spaces for diverse marine life.

The event gave participants an opportunity to connect with nature while learning proper mangrove planting techniques directly from Encik Ismail and his team to improve seedling survival. Following safety and technical briefing, participants worked together to plant and secure all 300 seedlings across the intertidal mudflats. A beach clean-up was also carried out along the surrounding shoreline to remove plastic waste and other debris, helping to maintain a healthier environment for the newly planted seedlings.

The day concluded with an educational mangrove talk by Wetlands International, which provided key insights into wetland conservation, blue carbon ecosystems, and the four main ecological functions of mangroves: biodiversity support, coastal protection, fisheries maintenance, and carbon sequestration.

This initiative not only celebrated the importance of mangroves as vital ecosystems but also strengthened partnerships between educational institutions, NGOs, and local communities in protecting and restoring Malaysia’s coastal heritage.

Article contributed by Intern Rina Sapiah

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