SHAH ALAM, July 23 — The Selangor government is exploring the blue carbon ecosystem (BCE) initiative to more sustainably conserve, restore and manage the state’s coastline, said state executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim.
He said the approach, which is becoming increasingly popular overseas, could help the state manage its coastline with nature-based solutions.
He added that the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) is reviewing the Integrated Coastal Management Plan gazetted in 2022 to include BCE initiatives.
“Throughout the four years since the plan was gazetted, much of the climate has changed, demanding a more comprehensive approach in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Unstructured development along the coast leads to erosion, pollution and marine biodiversity disruption,” he told a press conference after the Selangor Integrated Coastal Management Plan Review Workshop at De Palma Hotel here today.
Izham said LUAS is also forming a strategic partnership with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) to implement BCE endeavours in Selangor.
“Findings of studies on climate change have shown the need for the state government to upgrade the bund system to (protect) the coastline from disasters,” he added.
Izham also said BCE initiatives are closely related to several high-impact projects planned in Selangor, including the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA), Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG), and Sungai Lang Fisheries Zone (ZIPS).
