Multi stakeholder participation in planning for mangrove for future in Klang Islands, Malaysia

The trade-off with urbanization in tropical coastal areas is often seen in the form of mangrove destruction. While the multiple ecosystem services of this coastal flagship resource are widely recognized, they are often... [ view full abstract ]

The trade-off with urbanization in tropical coastal areas is often seen in the form of mangrove destruction. While the multiple ecosystem services of this coastal flagship resource are widely recognized, they are often under-valued and -appreciated especially when land scarcity is a critical issue faced by the developing cities. This in return, poses a threat to the survival of the mangrove and the mangrove-dependent local communities, as well as any indigenous cultural attachment to them. This paper reveals the outcomes of a study in Klang Islands, Malaysia, which are experiencing fast paced economic development and where fishery is a traditional livelihood activity among the locals. A series of  workshops have been undertaken aimed at bringing together stakeholders with different interests to discuss and envision the future for the mangroves, with particular attention to fisheries and community well-being. The findings indicate that the multiple stakeholders acknowledge the importance of mangroves, yet the necessity of physical development is a priority. Consequently,  the future for mangroves in Klang Islands, as preliminary proposed by the stakeholders, includes introducing tourism activities in the existing mangrove forests and mangrove replanting  to support an ecotourism network as well as a forest plantation. This  would offer an alternative livelihood for the local communities, economic return at large, as well as support the maintenance of essential ecosystem services.