By Karen-Ann Theseira
JOHOR – On the morning of July 28, excited participants gathered at Church of the Immaculate Conception, for a bus ride to the mangrove planting site at the Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve, Pontian. Bishop Bernard Paul and 13 staff from MAJODI Centre were among the participants, including Bangladeshi Rahman and Indonesian Erliawan.
Upon arrival at the designated planting area, participants were met by the friendly staff from Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Johor and a short briefing was provided. Sticks had been placed in rows to indicate where the 450 saplings were to be planted – of which 250 saplings were generously sponsored by the Diocese of Malacca Johore. Participants got down and dirty in the mud amidst the laughter and chatter. The Malaysian Nature Society of Johor works closely with Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Johor on many such projects and members Belinda, Mark and Lai Peng were on site to support the event with their experience and knowledge.
School teacher and nature enthusiast Anna Tan from the Church of St Theresa, Melaka, hopes to promote such programmes to her students. Mangroves are vital to Malaysia’s ecological-system. Mangroves protect villages near coastlines and riverbanks from environmental risks like flooding and tsunamis. Their dense roots help and build soils while providing critical habitat for diverse marine and terrestrial flora and fauna.
Mangrove Restoration ++, is a Caritas MJD event, organised by Creation Justice Commission MJD, in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26.
A hearty lunch and fellowship followed at Kukup. It was a nice break to interact and appreciate the calm water and lush greenery of the surroundings. Josephine Oracoy from Church of St Simon, Labis reiterated the need to grow more trees to combat rising temperatures. Anna Tay, Founder and President of I-CARE Cancer Support Association JB and a parishioner of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Johor Bahru, shared her keen interest in the preservation of the environment. Student of Bio-Medical Science, Chloe Lai raised her concerns about nature falling victim to over-development.
A short boat ride from the Kukup International Ferry Terminal brought participants to Taman Negara Pulau Kukup, a unique island covering an area of 647 hectares. It is an important protected area for plants and animals associated with mangroves and some species that are considered rare or endangered. Participants had a pleasant time on the boardwalk under the cool shade of the trees. Some used the time to snap pictures; mudskippers, monkeys, the vegetation for the picture taking competition. A spectacular aerial view from the observation platform was a highlight for many.
The final stop was Uncle Tan Orchard and Stingless Bee Farm. Participants sampled organic fruit and drinks, with owner Jackie Tan explaining the role of the bees as pollinators. It was quite a treat to see the bees up close and taste the honey from their propolis rich egg-shaped honey pots. There were many products available for sale; bottles of honey, soap and lip balm. As participants made their way up the bus, they were undoubtedly taking home with them a renewed appreciation and love for creation. – Herald Malaysia
