By Nursyahirah Ariffin
Photo By Noor Azreen Awang
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 - Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), organised the International Conference on Mangroves of Asia-Pacific Countries in View of Climate Change (MAPCVCC-2014) to raise awareness on mangrove climate change in Asia Pacific countries.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Secretary General, Dato’ Dr. Abdul Rahim, said the seminar was aimed at developing the conservation capacity and management of mangrove areas throughout the world, particularly in Asia Pacific region.
"This seminar unites national, regional, international researchers as well as forest managers to share experiences and knowledge on the sustainability management of mangrove ecosystems," he said.
The seminar also received supports from the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM), National Hydraulic Research Institute (NAHRIM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Institute for Environment and Development, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (LESTARI, UKM) and the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI).
The three-day Seminar was held at the Grand Season Hotel Kuala Lumpur from 11-13 November 2014, attended by UPM Deputy Vice Chancellor (Industry and Community), Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varatharajoo and FRIM Director General, Dato' Dr. Abd Latif Mohmod.
Meanwhile, 30 papers were presented and 40 posters with mangrove theme were put on display to raise awareness about the levels of mangrove management.
According to UPM Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varatharajoo, mangrove areas play an important role in ecological process, as stabilisers to coastal areas and breeding grounds for fish and marine life.
"Mangrove forests are predominantly inhabitated by mangrove trees and other wildlife species which adapt to Malaysia weather conditions. They also can be a unique landscape with various species taxonomy to support life cycle in the mangrove areas," he said.
