Protecting the Kenyir Watershed through Sustainable Financing Mechanisms
Rimba (Malaysia)
The Terengganu State in peninsular Malaysia contains an essential watershed with a large reservoir, hydro-electric power that supplies Kuala Lumpur and other users, and a spectacular forest estate that contains rich biodiversity including diverse birdlife, tigers, and more. Some of this forested landscape is adjacent to Taman Negara – Malaysia’s best known and largest national park. In 2018, Terengganu State gazette 75,000 acres of the watershed as Kenyir State Park, demonstrating political will and commitment towards sustainability. There is, however, a need to secure an additional ~220,000 acres of biodiversity-rich and ecologically sensitive forests, currently classified as production forest reserves (designated for logging), within Kenyir watershed. Towards this objective, the State, in 2019, endorsed the formation of the Green Financing Task Force to explore alternative revenue streams to secure long-term financing through improved forest management strategies. Identifying and establishing diverse revenue streams from standing forests can help reduce deforestation and forest degradation. The ‘Kenyir For Life’ project, led by the local NGO Rimba, aims to help Terengganu State generate revenue from standing forests in order to promote sustainable management of the Kenyir watershed and maintain essential biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Link: https://rimba.ngo/