W WF-Malaysia presented important findings at the Setiu Wetlands Scientific Expedition Seminar 2016 last week. Newly recorded species vital to the ecological and conservation values of the wetlands were unveiled at the seminar, a joint effort between WWF-Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). UMT presented and discussed findings by researchers of the Setiu Wetlands Scientific Expedition, which was conducted in April. The seminar aimed to synergise government agencies, non-governmental organisations, universities and communities towards gazetting the Setiu Wetlands State Park. Among the findings reported under the species inventory are 33 species of exclusive mangrove plants that include five new records and three hybrids, 108 individual butterflies comprising more than 50 species, 17 species of mangrove snails and 30 species of plants in the Gelam forest. Analysis of fires during the extended periods of drought in the BRIS (Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales; also known as sandy or coastal alluvial) ecosystem and preliminary assessment of shoreline changes on reserved turtle nesting beaches in Setiu were reported under the session on Threats on Species or Ecosystem. The focus of the expedition was on the Setiu lagoon. This was due to its uniqueness with more than 10 small islands scattered within this water body, adjacent sandy beaches facing the seaward side, and the fringing vegetation consisting of mangroves, gelam or Melaleuca forests and other habitats. Also, the Terengganu government’s main area of interest for the state park is the lagoon, therefore it is important to revisit the species inventory and assess the condition of key habitats in the lagoon. Other priority areas, namely Ulu Seladang (upstream river) and Sungai Chalok and Sungai Bari (in the downstream), were included for their potential for ecotourism, biodiversity and presence of threats. Through collaboration with UMT, the Terengganu Forestry Department and community-based organisations in Setiu, WWF-Malaysia conducted the scientific expedition in April to establish the biodiversity status and importance of the wetlands to strengthen the justification for protection of Setiu Wetlands as a state park. The expedition involved seven organisations comprising local universities and research institutions, NGOs and two media representatives. Sixteen research topics were covered and 76 participants took part, including 49 researchers, expedition secretariat members and WWF-Malaysia employees. Classified as nationally important for its ecological and conservation values, the coastal floodplain of Setiu district is listed in the Malaysian Wetland Directory (1987) on the basis of its extensive Melaleuca forest, mangrove forest, peat swamp forest, nesting beaches for freshwater, marine turtles and unique formations of the Setiu and Merang coastal lagoons. The Setiu Wetlands are also featured in the National Physical Plan as Environmentally Sensitive Area Rank 1 and part of the secondary ecological linkage (SL-5) for the Central Forest Spine connecting the Taman Negara Forest Complex to the Terengganu coast. Conservation work by WWF-Malaysia in the Setiu Wetlands began in the late 1980s with a focus on the conservation of green turtles and painted terrapins, and has since been expanded within the wider context of sustainable wetlands management and integrated river basin management. WWF-Malaysia’s focus now includes advocacy for the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas and High Conservation Value Areas in Setiu Wetlands and its catchment areas, as well as the minimisation of threats and impacts of human activities on the wetlands ecosystems. These advocacy efforts are complemented by conservation fieldwork that includes technical/scientific based assessments and ecosystem monitoring. Additionally, work involving empowerment of local communities in the wise use and conservation of the Setiu Wetlands (for example, in mangrove replanting, low impact nature-based tourism) is also being actively undertaken. The Setiu Wetlands are in the district of Setiu, which is bordered by Besut, Hulu Terengganu and Kuala Terengganu. They cover a large area of mangroves, freshwater swamps and the Gelam forest. The Setiu Wetlands not only provide a great array of services, such as flood control, erosion mitigation, nursery for juvenile marine fishes and provide traditional livelihoods for the population in the area, but they also support a rich biodiversity. It is only in Setiu that one can find painted terrapins, river terrapins, and green turtles all in one area. Setiu is one of the few places in the world where viable populations of the painted terrapin can be found. DR SUNDARI RAMAKRISHNA, director, WWF-Malaysia Conservation

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