The project focuses on the long-term protection and rehabilitation of the Bukit Belata (Extension) Forest Reserve (BBEFR) which covers an area of 3,140ha of lowland dipterocarp and peat swamp forest, in the SE portion of the NSPSF. This forest reserve is facing increasing challenges from drainage, fire and degradation linked to the development of small-scale plantations and agriculture along its boundary as well as encroachment and drainage within the reserve.  More than 350ha of forest and peatland in BBEFR have been degraded by fires, drainage and encroachment in recent years.

The project is working directly with the targeted local communities at the selected site to establish mechanisms and incentives for their involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of the resource. The project will be managed under the framework of the MoU between GEC and the Selangor State Government (2016-2023) for multi-stakeholder engagement in the protection and rehabilitation of forests in Selangor.

Find out more about the project.

Joint Statement between Prosper Palm Oil Mill Sdn Bhd and GEC:

Joint Statement 1 (August 2020)

Joint Statement 2 (March 2023)

Joint Statement 3 (December 2023)

Duration: 2020 - 2026

Funder: Prosper Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd

PHASE 1 (2020- 2023)

Aim/objective:

The immediate objective is to develop and implement a specific forest and peatland protection and rehabilitation programme for BBEFR with the following sub-objectives:

1. To develop a rehabilitation strategy for all the degraded forest and peatland in the BBEFR; 
2. To rewet and initiate rehabilitation of at least 200 ha of degraded peatland and forest;
3. To prevent future fires and degradation throughout the BBEFR, in partnership with local communities and stakeholders. 

Major Achievements:

• Completion of a rehabilitation strategy for degraded forest and peatland in the BBEFR;
• Prevention of fires and degradation throughout 3,140ha forest area, in partnership with local communities and stakeholders;
• Rewetting and supporting recovery of more than 200 ha of degraded peatland and forest; and
• Establishing a community-based organization to help conserve the area and prevent fires and initiate small scale livelihood programmes 

PHASE 2 (2023 - 2026)

Aim/objective: 

The goal is to maintain and enhance the achievements of the first phase and expand the recovery project to include 4,000ha of the adjacent Raja Musa Forest Reserve to cover a total area of 7,140ha.  It has three objectives:

1. To maintain and expand conservation measures for peat swamp and lowland forest at Bukit Belata (Extension) Forest Reserve (BBEFR) and Raja Musa Forest Reserve  
2. To enhance engagement of smallholders and adjacent landowners to help them improve their productivity and protect the Recovery Project site  
3. To enhance stakeholder engagement and integration of the Recovery Project with the broader landscape including North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest 

For more information about the project, please e-mail us at outreach@gec.org.my