INTEGRATING BAMBOO WAVE SCREENS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANGROVE CONSERVATION IN TANJUNG KEPAH
Pantai Tanjung Kepah has long faced severe coastal erosion, resulting in the depletion of mangrove forests and the decline of marine biodiversity. The loss of these vital ecosystems has made the area increasingly vulnerable to storm surges and environmental degradation. In response, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) introduced a sustainable, nature-based engineering solution — the Bamboo Wave Screen (BWS). This permeable bamboo structure is designed to restore natural sediment dynamics, improve soil conditions and ultimately aid in the regeneration of the mangrove ecosystem.
The project began with a tree branch collection programme involving both the UTP community and the residents of Tanjung Kepah. The collected branches serve as filling materials for the construction of the Bamboo Wave Screen. Following its installation, monitoring and maintenance activities will be carried out in collaboration with the Kampung Tanjung Kepah community. To ensure long-term sustainability, training sessions are provided to equip the community with skills to assess the structure’s condition, evaluate its impact on sediment and mangrove health and adopt effective maintenance practices.
The objectives of the project are to provide and prepare filling materials for constructing the Bamboo Wave Screen while empowering the local stakeholders to monitor the mangrove environment through systematic training. This approach allows the community to not only participate in the project but also take ownership of its long-term success by maintaining the structure and safeguarding the mangrove ecosystem.
The venue of this project is Pantai Tanjung Kepah, a coastal area directly impacted by erosion and mangrove ecosystem depletion. Its strategic location makes it an important site for implementing nature-based solutions that can restore balance to the environment while protecting local communities from future risks.
The beneficiaries of this initiative include the Tanjung Kepah coastal environment and ecosystem, the local communities of Kampung Tanjung Kepah, as well as related stakeholders such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Manjung, the Forestry Department and the UTP community. By involving multiple groups, the project not only strengthens environmental resilience but also empowers the local community, fosters collaboration and ensures sustainable resource management.
Project leader : Ts. Dr. Teh Hee Min (heemin.teh@utp.edu.my)
