TUARAN: Some 2,000 new mangrove saplings have been planted in the conservation area of Kampung Pampang Baru, here.
The effort is part of Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Bhd) Sabah Gas Terminal’s Sabah Mangrove Rehabilitation Programme and was undertaken in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department.
A total 120 volunteers joined in the planting of the 2,000 saplings last Saturday, a continuation to the Sayang Bakau Phase 1 programme in 2015.
Two years ago, Petronas planted 1,000 mangrove young trees at the 1.1 hectare wetland area.
Petronas general manager of Upstream Strategic Communications and Administration Shuzairin Shuib, in a statement, said the replanted mangrove forest would serve as a habitat for marine life.
The replanting effort was also expected to contribute to the overall health of the surrounding ecosystem.
“Sayang Bakau is part of Petronas’ corporate social investment effort focusing on environmental conservation.
“Wherever we are, Petronas places equal importance on commercial growth and social development of the communities in which we operate,” she said.
The mangrove rehabilitation programme will be implemented in five phases between 2015 to 2020.
The effort includes related activities for community development such as the commercialisation of mangrove saplings through nurseries and facilities for entrepreneurship.