Malaysia’s UMT Researchers Secure RM3.9 Mln International Grant For Mangrove Restoration

KUALA NERUS,  July 19 (Bernama) -- Two researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) have secured an international research grant worth RM3.9 million for a three-year project to restore Malaysia's mangrove ecosystems.

The recipients are Associate Prof Dr Behara Satyanarayana from the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS) and Dr Giovanna Wolswijk from the Faculty of Marine Science and Environment.

Giovanna said the grant would fund the project, REVIVE: Just Restoration and Equitable Value Chains for Inclusive, Viable Mangrove Ecosystems: The Case of Malaysia, from July 2026 to June 2029.

Funded by the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate under the United Kingdom's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the project will focus on key mangrove areas comprising the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve in Perak, Sungai Acheh and Sungai Chenaam in Penang, and Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu.

"The project aims to develop a mangrove restoration model that not only restores ecosystems but also improves the economic well-being of local communities," she said in a statement Sunday.

Giovanna said mangrove forests not only protect coastlines and store blue carbon, but also provide livelihoods for thousands of coastal communities.

She said the project would ensure restoration efforts benefit the environment while creating more sustainable economic opportunities and fairer value chains for local communities.

The research will include blue carbon mapping, ecosystem health assessments, habitat restoration measures, and solutions to issues such as mangrove degradation, sand deposition and the sustainability of mangrove-based industries.

She added that community participation as a strategic partner throughout every stage of the project would be essential to ensuring long-term conservation efforts.

-- BERNAMA