CORAL CAY CONSERVATION runs hands-on volunteer-supported field conservation projects on the reefs and rainforests of Pulau Perhentian on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Written by Coral Cay Conservation on 4 Nov 2003 with 0 comments. Be the first!

In March 2003, the pilot phase of an exciting new Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) Rainforest Project began in one of the world's most ancient tropical rainforests. The forests of the Perhentian Islands, located off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, are believed to support a diverse array of species- more than 800 orchids, 740 avifauna species and 340 mammals.

Preliminary literature reviews by CCC scientists have however revealed that virtually no baseline ecological survey work has been completed on the Perhentians. Surveys by Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) Volunteers that join this project will therefore serve to provide the data and outputs necessary to provide management recommendations and habitat maps to help the long-term conservation and sustainable management of this area. The main aims of this pilot project are to:

• Provide a baseline of terrestrial information on the fauna and flora of the Perhentian islands (Besar island);
• Provide outputs that will include, but are not limited to, a terrestrial habitat map and spatially referenced species inventories for Besar island;
• Develop a strategy for longer-term monitoring of key habitats and species in order to underpin conservation and sustainable management.

Take action with CCC

The Marine Parks Branch of the Ministry of Fisheries (Government of Malaysia) has asked CCC for assistance in establishing a long-term collaborative programme of reef and forest surveys, conservation education, training for local counterparts and other initiatives.

CCC will begin this work by undertaking a 3-month pilot project to assess the marine and terrestrial resources of the Perhentian Islands. Dependent upon an evaluation of project outcomes, the duration and scope of this project may subsequently be extended into July 2003 and beyond.

The pilot project will be divided into two six-week phases: 'MRICP-Phase 1' and 'MRICP-Phase 2'. Volunteers are able to join Phase 1, Phase 2 or both Phases. Volunteers wishing to join the Terrestrial component of the expedition only should plan to join 'MRICP-Phase 2'. For more details about the Pilot Project, please refer to the CCC Official website.

Opportunities for Malaysian Volunteers

Ten MRICP scholarship awards will be made available to Malaysians who are in full-time education and undertaking studies in a relevant subject at recognised local institutes of higher learning. Each award will include full board and lodging at the MRICP project base at Pulau Perhentian Besar, scuba training, and full training in technical scientific survey techniques and data management. A range of local and national conservation education and awareness schemes will also be initiated during the course of the MRICP.

For specific information on the application criteria for the MRICP Scholarship Awards, contact Mr Graham Wallace via e-mail at ombak@tm.net.my

Expedition Basics

Pilot Project:
March - June 2003.

Where in the world?
Located in the heart of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Up to 91% of reefs at risk. Peninsular Malaysia lies at the tip of the long finger of land extending from Asia, pointing towards Indonesia and Australia. It is bordered to the north by Thailand and to the south by Singapore. Numerous islands lie offshore, including the Perhentian Islands (CCC's initial project base) which are found off the east coast in the South China Sea.

Some background reading
Densely-forested and fringed by coral reefs, the Perhentians are home to a rich variety of plants and animals, while providing local communities with a source of revenue from fishing and tourism. There are two main islands, Pulau Besar and Pulau Kecil.

Biodiversity and Importance
Peninsular Malaysia has 3,600km2 of coral reef and 6,424km2 of mangrove. 568 coral species, 36 mangrove species and 12 seagrass species. Coral reefs are home to a wide range of fish and invertebrates. Turtles nest on sandy beaches. Mangroves provide nurseries for reef fish. Perhentian Island forests are home to monkeys, flying squirrels, lizards, butterflies and many other species. Peninsular Malaysia has some of the world's most ancient rainforest. There are over 800 species of orchids, 200 palms, 200 mammals, 450 birds, 250 reptiles and at least 150,000 insects.

Threats
Up to 91% of reefs are at risk, mainly from destructive fishing practices, sedimentation (due to forest clearance) and bleaching. Tourism, although still in its infancy in the Perhentian Islands, could pose a threat if not properly managed. Other threats to coral reefs in Peninsular Malaysia include physical damage (from anchors and ship collisions) and over-harvesting of fish, corals and invertebrates for the aquarium trade and traditional medicine.

Logistics
Volunteers will be based in shared dormitory-style accommodation, kindly being loaned to CCC by the Marine Parks Section, at the Pulau Perhentian Marine Park Centre on Pulau Perhentian Besar.

For more details about the Pilot Project, please refer to the CCC Official website.