1. General information
Location and description of the intervention
City or FUA
Kuala Selangor
Region
Asia
Short description of the intervention
In 2010, to revamp the Raja Musa Forest Reserve (RMFR), a rehabilitation project was initiated by the Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest Association (a local NGO) in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders. As part of the largest peat swamp forest complex on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Raja Musa Forest Reserve (RMFR) is an important home to many threatened species, as well as a valuable ecosystem in the fight against global warming. Despite this, over the years the forest has been subjected to fires and illegal encroachment which severely reduced its area (1). The project was considered unique as it was an innovation aimed to enhance and strengthen the capacity of the local community in peatland water management and forest rehabilitation works (3,5). Activities included among others rehabilitation of the degraded peat forest through the plantation of new seedlings, demonstration of, and provision of a documentary model for community-based peat swamp forest rehabilitation, as well as the creation of an awareness programme with the local community and dissemination of educational materials (2).
The importance of the intervention consists not only in the implementer's approach in regard to nature-based solutions but also in its aim of documenting a "model of low-cost hydrologic restoration of peat swamp forest" which ultimately should be replicated in similar conditions but in various locations (2).
Address

Malaysia

Area boundary
POINT (101.2277 3.4783)
POINT (101.4285 3.4552)
POINT (101.4297 3.6488)
POINT (101.3425 3.6573)
NBS area image
Source of NBS area image
Available at https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=10/3.4696/101.4532 (accessed on 28-3-2023).
Total area
234860000.00m²
NBS area
234860000.00m²
Timeline of intervention
Start date of the intervention (planning process)
2008
Start date of intervention (implementation process)
2010
End date of the intervention
2013
Present stage of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
The implementer presented the following goals for the intervention:
1. To recover parts of the forest cover through a tree planting programme aiming to prevent encroachment into the forest thus reducing the risk of fire and increasing carbon storage capacity.
2. To ensure the involvement of local communities through the leadership of Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest Association (FNSPSFA).
3. To build the capacity of FNSPSFA through training and implementation programmes involving government partners and other stakeholders.
4. To develop the community's continued stewardship to sustain the restored forest reserve together with institutional authorities by building a relationship with the Forestry Department and other national bodies.
5. To prepare a documented model of low-cost hydrologic restoration of peat swamp forest and a documented model on local collaborative peat swamp forest management.
6. To suggest documented models for local income-generating livelihoods as complementary to peat swamp forest rehabilitation.
7. To prepare regional workshops as well as media engagement in order to promote the project's approach and techniques. (2)
Quantitative targets
-At least 23,486 ha of degraded peat swamp areas to be rehabilitated
-Two species of trees to be selected for rehabilitation
-A number of canal blockings are to be constructed adjacent to the forest reserve (buffer zone)
-A series of models (low-cost hydrologic restoration of peat swamp forest, local income generating livelihoods, local collaborative peat swamp forest management) to be developed and disseminated for replication
-4 villages to be included in the action: Kampung Sungai Sireh, Sri Tiram Jaya, Raja Musa and Bestari Jaya
-A population of approx. 8,500 people to be included. (2, 4)
Monitoring indicators defined
- Number of trees planted
- Number of villages included
- Number of people benefiting from the action
- Types of plant species
- Number of canals. (2,4)
Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Climate change mitigation: What were the goals of the NBS?
Climate change mitigation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The project has been implemented by several stakeholders led by the Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest Association (FNSPSFA), starting in 2010. 29,635 ha of degraded peat swamp forest was rehabilitated with the planting of more than 17,383 trees by the local communities and FNSPSFA. Two main species were used for creating the forest cover/replanting: Euodia spp (tenggek burung) and Macarangga spp. (Mahang).
For the purpose of capacity building of FNSPSFA, community training on peatland water management and fire prevention was organised in collaboration with the Drainage and Irrigation Department and Fire & Rescue Department. For the purpose of sustainable ecotourism, an interpretative trail in the adjacent Sungai Karang Forest Reserve with safety facilities (near to Agrotourism Homestay) was established by FNSPSFA, and local handicrafts were produced from peat swamp forest resources (peat tree stumps, rattan, bamboo and pandanus leaves). FNSPSFA Mini Handicraft Stall was established to promote handicraft products (mat, baskets, Batik painting and minicraft) and it is managed by FNSPSFA members from Kg. Ampangan and located in Agrotourism Homestay Sungai Sireh, Tanjung Karang, Kuala Selangor. A network of community groups was established and an annual forum on community-based natural resource management was organised for the network to exchange successful experiences in ecosystem restoration and community livelihood. For the purpose of close linkages with the ongoing work of the Forestry Department, selected villages and community groups (Sahabat Hutan Gambut Selangor Utara) and local authorities were connected by the Global Environment Centre (GEC) with the Forestry Department as well as other relevant government agencies for long term collaboration and continuous updates on new development in terms of peat swamp ecosystem & peatland line forest rehabilitation. After the project period, the GEC continues to provide periodic input to the groups mentioned and link them with GEC's national network which links community-based forest projects in Malaysia. After the project period, the project is replicated in new villages around the area and/or other parts of the peat swamp forest in the Selangor state. (2)
NBS domain and interventions
Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented
Blue infrastructure
Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries
In-land wetlands, peatlands, swamps, and moors
Please specify "other blue area"
Peat swamp forest (1)
Please specify "other derelict areas"
peat swamp forest reserve
Vegetation Type
Please specify how many trees were planted
17,383 trees (2)
Please specify other amenities offered by the NBS
local handicraft shop, signages (2)
Amenities offered by the NBS
Services
Expected ecosystem services delivered
Regulating services
Carbon storage/sequestration
Other
Habitat and supporting services
Habitats for species
Maintenance of genetic diversity
Please specify "other regulating service"
Protection from fire (2)
Scale
Spatial scale
Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level
Beneficiaries
Governance
Non-government actors
Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches
Citizens or community groups
Other
Please specify other non-government actors involved
Multilateral environmental fund (2)
Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative
The Selangor State Government had declared RMFR to be subjected to forest rehabilitation in 2008 (Ref 1). Between 2008-2013, with fundings from the Small Grants Programme (SGP) / The Global Environment Facility (GEF) / UNDP, Global Environment Centre (GEC) worked closely with the newly established Friends of North Selangor Peat Swam Forest Association (FNSPSFA) to rehabilitate RMFR through community participation, with close collaboration with Selangor Forestry Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Fire & Rescue Department (2).
Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors)
Regional government
Public sector institution
Non-government organisation/civil society
Citizens or community group
Multilateral organisation
Policy drivers
NBS intervention implemented in response to an Regional Directive/Strategy
No
NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan
All rules and regulations are complied with in accordance with the National Forest Policy 1978 (Amended 1992) and the National Forestry Act (Adoption) Enactment 1985. (5)
NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan
Yes
Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan"
It is mentioned that the intervention will work closely with the Federal and State Forestry Department and the implementer will be able to link closely with the ongoing work of the Forestry Department to develop and implement the peat swamp forest rehabilitation strategy for the area. (2)
Mandatory or voluntary intervention
Mandatory (based on policy)
Intervention is mandatory
Enablers
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS vision/strategy/plan - mentioned in connection to the project
No
Presence of specific city-level GI/NBS section/part in a more general plan - mentioned in connection to the project
No
Presence of city network or regional partnerships focused on NBS - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Presence of GI / NBS research project - mentioned in connection to the project
No
Subsidies/investment for GI / NBS in the city - mentioned in connection to the project
Unknown
Co-finance for NBS
Unknown
Co-financing governance arrangements
Unknown
Was this co-governance arrangement already in place, or was it set up specifically for this NBS?
Financing
What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements?
Unknown
What are the total amount of expected annual maintenance costs?
Unknown
What is the expected annual maintenance costs of the NBS or GI elements?
Unknown
Please specify cost savings
Unknown
Please specify total cost (EUR)
US$ 48,480.00 - 44,520 EUR
Co-Financing Cash: US$ 13,500.00 - 12,520 EUR
Co-Financing in-Kind: US$ 26,000.00 - 24,115 EUR (2)
Non-financial contribution
Yes
Type of non-financial contribution
Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model?
Please specify technological innovation
The intervention brought forward an infrastructural innovation that aimed at the restoration of the hydrological regime of the forest by "keeping the peat soil wet, preventing further decomposition and peat soil subsidence and reducing the risk for fires". This was achieved by building 11 canal blockings inside and outside the forest to raise the water level and wetting the peat soil. (2)
Please specify social innovation
The intervention's main focus was to foster community involvement in the management of the forest reserve and it planned to do this by giving more stakeholder power to the community considering them the key stakeholders and providing training and capacity building. (2)
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
Unknown
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
It was mentioned the intent was to replicate the project in other settings by providing a documented model of low-cost hydrologic restoration of peat swamp forests, as well as a documented model of local collaborative peat swamp forest management. (2)
Impacts, benefits
Description of environmental benefits
Increased in the green area and in the number of species present through rehabilitation of 29,635 ha of degraded peat swamp forest with the planting of more than 17,383 trees. The species consist of Euodia spp (tenggek burung) and Macarangga spp. (Mahang) which are considered pioneer species (2). Euodia spp is a tree that provides the perfect habitat for the Ulysses butterfly therefore an increasing number of species present and reducing biodiversity loss. The Macarangga tree has been recommended as a pioneer species to provide shade and shelter in order to promote natural regeneration on deforested land and has many benefits such as medicinal, edible, and pollinator (6,7). RMFR also supports tree species with small to medium-sized crowns, typically reaching 30 metres in height. Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis ), Kedondong (Santiria spp.), Kelat ( Syzgium spp.) and Durian (Durio carinatus) are the dominant tree species within the forest. Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus) which was a common species in the peat swamp forest is now very rare. Part of the northeast corner of RMFR is known for its high water table and is dominated by palms and pandanus (1).
According to a study from 2022, participants in the action expressed that one of the perceived environmental benefits was that of carbon sequestration as their understanding of the importance of the reserve coincides with the needs of the area for biodiversity (4).
With the building of the 11 canals, the peat fire risk will decrease. While the construction of canal blocks is also useful during a fire accident because it will act as a supplier of water resources to suppress the fire. (2)
Description of economic benefits
It was expected that the intervention will provide documented models for local income generating livelihoods, complementary to peat swamp forest rehabilitation. (2)
Description of social and cultural benefits
Improved community safety to climate-related hazards: It was expected that with the building of the 11 canals, the peat fire risk will decrease. While the construction of canal blocks is also useful during a fire accident because it will act as a supplier of water resources to suppress the fire. (2)
The involvement of locals in the management of green areas has been achieved through an active engagement in the forest patrolling and monitoring activity around the RMFR and its vicinity to monitor and prevent from any peatland wildfire occurrences. Locals worked closely with GEC and Selangor Forestry Department personnel & Fire & Rescue Department personnel; started to actively monitor in early- March when various fire-prone areas were detected within RMFR and its vicinity. This early action has prevented the fire occurrence (2). Over the years around 10,000 volunteers participated in the reforestation activities (5).
Type of reported impacts
Indicators
- Size of the area restored
- Number of trees planted
- Number of volunteers over the years
- Types of species considered. (1,2,6,7)
Analysis of specific impact categories
Job creation: The NBS created ...
Environmental justice: The implementation of the NBS project resulted in ...
Negative impacts: Did the project cause any problems or concerns?
No information was found regarding negative impacts of the project
COVID-19 pandemic
As the intervention was implemented until 2013, no impacts of the pandemic were mentioned.
Methods of impact monitoring
Evidence for use of assessment
Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process
Yes
Presence of indicators used in reporting
Yes
Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports
No evidence in public records
Availability of a web-based monitoring tool
No evidence in public records
Impact assessment mechanism
Name of any specific impact assessment tools
Unknown
Use of GIS in mapping impacts
No evidence in public records
Citizen involvement
Citizens involvement in assessment/evaluation
Yes
Mode(s) of citizen involvement in evaluation/assessment
Citizens involvement in the analysis of the assessment/evaluation
Yes
Please specify
Linkages will be developed or strengthened between the selected villages and community and the Forestry Department and local authorities so that after the project period, collaborative activities can continue and the community groups (Sahabat Hutan Gambut Selangor Utara) can be updated on new development in terms of peat swamp ecosystem & peatland line forest rehabilitation. (2)
Follow-up to the evaluation / assessment
Yes
Please specify
The Global Environment Centre will continue to provide periodic input to the groups in the project area following the project period and will link the local groups with GEC’s national network which links community-based forest projects in Malaysia. (2)
References
Documents relevant to the intervention
Attachment Size
Project presentation (891.14 KB) 891.14 KB
Forest rehabilitation - presentation (7.23 MB) 7.23 MB
List of references
1. Global Environment Centre (no date), Rehabilitation of Raja Musa Forest Reserve, available at https://www.gec.org.my/index.cfm?menuid=145 (accessed 21-2-2023)
2. The GEF Small Grants Programme (2010), Peat Swamp Forest Rehabilitation of Raja Musa Forest Reserve through Community Action, available at https://sgp.undp.org/index.php?option=com_sgpprojects&view=projectdetail&id=21233&Itemid=205 (accessed 21-2-2023)
3. Global Environment Centre (no date), Participation of Friends of North Selangor Peatland Forest in Peat Water Management and Forest Rehabilitation Adjacent to Raja Musa Forest Reserve, available at https://www.gec.org.my/index.cfm?&menuid=336&parentid=92 (accessed 21-2-2023)
4. Md Jahangir Alam, (2022), Restoration of Degraded Peat Swamp Forest through Community Participation: The case of Raja Musa Forest Reserve, North Selangor, Malaysia (PhD thesis), available at https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/71279/1/Phd%20THESIS_Md%20Jahangir%20Alam.pdf (accessed 25-03-2023)
5. FNSPWF, Community-Based Raja Musa Forest Reserve Rehabilitation PROGRAMME, attached, (accessed 25-03-2023)
6. Atlas of Living Australia (no date), Melicope elleryana , available at https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2913641 (accessed 25-03-2023)
7. Useful Tropical Plants (no date), Macaranga tanarius, available at https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Macaranga+tanarius (accessed 25-03-2023)
Comments and notes
Public Images
Image
RMFR
RMFR
https://queenscommonwealthcanopy.org/content/uploads/2017/03/West-Malaysia1-1992x1328.jpg
Image
Illegal encroachment & agriculture
Illegal encroachment & agriculture
https://www.gec.org.my/aeimages//Image/RajaMusaPeatSwamp/IMG_9784.JPG
Image
Fire hazard@peat swamp_RMFR
Fire hazard@peat swamp_RMFR
https://www.gec.org.my/aeimages//Image/RajaMusaPeatSwamp/IMG_0003.JPG
Image
Canal blocking with Mangrove poles and peat bags
Canal blocking with Mangrove poles and peat bags
https://www.gec.org.my/aeimages//Image/RajaMusaPeatSwamp/IMG_1099.JPG
Image
Hydrological restoration_canal blocking
Hydrological restoration_canal blocking
http://www.aseanpeat.net/view_file.cfm?fileid=189
Image
Tree Planting@RMFR
Tree Planting@RMFR
Global Environment Centre
Image
Raja Musa Forest
Raja Musa Forest
https://www.facebook.com/QueensCanopy/posts/the-raja-musa-forest-reserve-is-malaysias-commonwealthcanopy-project-the-23000-h/813667348818778/