Available via license: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
Content may be subject to copyright.
2 Associates Professor. Email: normah.abdullatip@ums.edu.my
PLANNING MALAYSIA:
Journal of the Malaysian Institute of Planners
VOLUME 22 ISSUE 4 (2024), Page 474 – 484
ESTABLISHING MANGROVE FOREST PRODUCTS FOR ECO-
TOURISM ACTIVITY AT KOTA KINABALU WETLAND
RAMSAR SITE, SABAH. MALAYSIA
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar1, Normah Abdul Latip2*, Kasim Mansur3,
Norita Jubit4, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh5
1,2,4,5Borneo Institute for Indigenous Studies,
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH
3Faculty of Business, Economic and Accountancy,
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SABAH
Abstract
Mangrove forests are found ubiquitously across the global landscape and are
known to assume a pivotal role in supporting the surrounding ecosystem. The
study purposely estimates the ability of absorption in CO2 towards the subject
area to understand the precautions of visitors in future demand. By leveraging the
advanced technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and employing
carbon footprint analysis, the study estimated the daily footfall to the area and the
resultant carbon footprint. The analysis conclusively revealed a surplus of minus
7,957.65 tons/year, indicating that the area can assimilate more CO2. This
underscores the wealth of natural resources and the potential to accommodate a
larger number of visitors in the future.
Keywords: Ramsar Site, KK Wetland, Mangroves Forest, Urban Forest
PLANNING MALAYSIA
Journal of the Malaysia Institute of Planners (2024)
475 © 2024 by MIP
INTRODUCTION
Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich tropical forests (Donato et al., 2011)
and are considered natural barriers to carrying capacity for maintaining coastal
urban environmental health (Analuddin et al., 2023). Furthermore, Diaz et al.
(2016) and Hsu (2019) indicate that the forest contributes to economic activity
directly and indirectly, especially in wetland tourism. The activity required
stakeholders' initiative in handling the limited mangrove area's resources at the
micro and macro levels. Latip et al. (2013) and Pimid et al. (2020) initiate the
importance of forest management, especially in wetland areas. Meticulous
frameworks are crucial in ensuring all forest matters are covered. Globally, the
Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the
framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources
(Ramsar, 2014). Worldwide currently registered Ramsar sites up to 2,471 sites,
covering 256,192,602 ha, including Malaysia, with a total area of 134,182 ha.
RESEARCH BACKGROUND
Visual mapping from NASA (2010) indicates the location and relative density
of mangrove forests covering 137,760 square kilometres of the earth’s surface
involving 118 countries. UNESCO (1987) indicates that the world’s largest
mangrove forest is the Sundarbans Reserve Forest (SRF) in Bangladesh.
Mangrove forests are an ecosystem located between the land and sea. The forest
contributes an economic gain to locals by providing a source of fisheries and
tourist activity and coastal protection from erosion and weather changes (Anuar
& Latip, 2020). According to NOAA (2023), mangrove forests stabilise the
coastline, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides, and the
intricate root system of mangroves makes these forests attractive to marine
species seeking shelter from predators. Moreover, its potential services related to
the ecosystem and human health primarily cover the supply of water, food,
nutrition, and medicine, purification of waste products, and buffering against
adverse flooding and climate effects (Skov, 2019). Mangroves store up to five
times as much organic carbon as tropical upland forests (Donato et al., 2011).
Brander et al. (2012) indicated that mangrove forests contribute to ecosystem
services and human well-being by providing nursery habitat for many species of
plants, birds, insects, crabs, fish, and cultural services.
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar, Normah Abdul Latip, Kasim Mansur, Norita Jubit, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh
Establishing Mangrove Forest Products for Eco-Tourism Activity at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site,
Sabah. Malaysia
© 2024 by MIP 476
Table 1 presents a comprehensive catalogue of wetland services and
functions that are indispensable in preserving the ecosystem. All the stakeholders
and relevant authorities must give due and diligent attention to these services and
functions. As per an empirical study conducted by The Conservation Fund, it has
been observed that the capacity of wetlands to store carbon ranges from 81 to 216
metric tons per acre, depending on the specific type and location of the wetland.
Table 1: List of Wetland Services
No
Services
Statement
1
Habitat and
Biodiversity
Nature Tourism
Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
2
Recreation
Hunting and Fishing Revenues
3
Nutrient Regulation
Reduced Water Purification Costs
4
Soil and Sediment
Regulation
Reduced Water Purification Costs
Reduced Soil Erosion
5
Disturbance & Natural
Hazard Regulation
Storm Surge Mitigation
Runoff and High-Water Event Mitigation
6
Cultural Values and
Aesthetics
Sabah
7
Water Supply
Increased Water Quantity
Increased Downstream Productivity
(fisheries, etc.)
8
Food Production
Food (both plant and animal) and
fibre harvest
Source: Authors (2024), Woodward & Wui (2001) and Cooley (2015)
Malaysia is known for its diverse and flourishing mangrove forests.
However, it is essential to note that out of the numerous mangrove forests in the
country, only seven have been officially gazetted and granted the esteemed
Ramsar Site status. As indicated in Table 2, these sites have been judiciously
selected based on their geographical location, size, and year of recognition.
PLANNING MALAYSIA
Journal of the Malaysia Institute of Planners (2024)
477 © 2024 by MIP
Table 2: Ramsar Sites in Malaysia.
Year
Site No
State
Location
Area (ha)
Total (%)
1994
712
Pahang
Tasek Bera
38,446
28.65
2003
1287
Johor
Pulau Kukup
647
0.48
2003
1288
Johor
Sungai Pulai
9,126
6.80
2003
1289
Johor
Tanjung Piai
526
0.39
2005
1568
Sarawak
Kuching Wetlands
National Par
6,610
4.93
2008
1849
Sabah
Lower
Kinabatangan-
Segama Wetland
78,803
58.73
2016
2290
Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
Wetland
24
0.02
Total Area
134,182
100
Worldwide Ramsar Area
256,192,602
0.05
Source: Authors (2024) & Ramsar (2014)
Jonas & Yapp (2016), a researcher from The International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has conducted research on the mangrove forest
and wetland in Sabah, identifying several critical issues such as pollution, human-
wildlife conflict, and lack of awareness regarding renewable resources. To
address these challenges, the IUCN recommends implementing good governance
by introducing a Ramsar Site and Management Plan (RSMP). The proposed
RSMP will provide the framework to mitigate the identified issues and promote
sustainable management practices.
Study area: Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site
Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site (KKWRS) is in Kota Kinabalu city, 2 km
from the city centre, with an area of 24.2 hectares. It is considered the city’s
hidden gem and green belt. Consists of 32 types of mangrove species, including
rare and (Ono et al., 2016) critically endangered ones listed in the IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species, namely Bruguiera hainesii (Rhizophoraceae). It coexists
with Limulus polyphemus, well known by locals as ‘Belangkas’, which exist in
the area as part of the marine life contribution. It was gazetted as a bird sanctuary
in 2000, with more than 90 species in the area. As well as migrating birds from
Siberia, namely Leptoptilos javanicus and Egretta eulophotes. The area is also a
nursery ground for 21 fish and aquatic species, including crustaceans, molluscs,
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar, Normah Abdul Latip, Kasim Mansur, Norita Jubit, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh
Establishing Mangrove Forest Products for Eco-Tourism Activity at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site,
Sabah. Malaysia
© 2024 by MIP 478
horseshoe crabs and jellyfish (RAMSAR, 2017). Kota Kinabalu Wetlands is the
2nd Ramsar site in Sabah, after Hilir Kinabatangan-Segama and the 7th in
Malaysia, with the registration Ramsar Site at 2,290 worldwide by the Ramsar
Convention. The recognition entitles the KK Wetland as the 1st Ramsar Site in
the city, nationally and the 2nd globally after the wetland in Yatsu-Higata, Chiba
in Japan.
Table 3: Chronology to Ramsar Status.
Year
Statement
1980-an
Proposed as a protected area by the funding from World Wildlife
Federation (WWF)
1996
Gazette as a protected area by Section 28 of the Sabah Land Ordinance
(Cap 68) and managed by the ‘Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Santuari Likas’
(LWSMC)
1999
Gazette as a Cultural Heritage Site under the Cultural
Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1997
2000
Gazette as a bird sanctuary and known as the Kota Kinabalu Bird
Sanctuary (KKCBS) in December
2005
The Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) was
established and took over management from LWSMC in August
2006
Officially named KK Wetlands to expand its importance as a
mangrove swamp ecosystem conservation area
2009
Proposed as a Ramsar site by the Sabah Ministry of Tourism,
Culture and Environment
2011
Information relating to Ramsar sites is submitted to Ramsar
headquarters
2013
Approved by the Sabah Cabinet as the second Ramsar site in Sabah
in March, while by the Federal Cabinet in November
2016
Listed as the Seventh Ramsar Site in Malaysia on 22 December.
2017
Officially announced as a Ramsar Site by the Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment on 17 July, with the official launch on 21
September.
Source: Abdullah, (2017) and Lahasing et al., (2016)
Table 3 outlines the events that led to KK Wetland receiving a Ramsar
site status. The wetland provides a range of visitor facilities to meet the needs of
individuals and organisations. These facilities include an information centre, AV
and meeting room (available for rental), a trail with a boardwalk (1.3km in
length), informative signboards, a gravel path (200m in length), a nursery, an
PLANNING MALAYSIA
Journal of the Malaysia Institute of Planners (2024)
479 © 2024 by MIP
outdoor classroom, a bird hide and an observation tower. In addition, there is an
exhibition hall and an interactive library. The provision of these facilities
demonstrates good governance of scarce resources in the study area.
The Sabah Wetland Conservation Society (SWCS) has taken a
commendable initiative to synchronise human and natural attributes in
conserving and enhancing the attractiveness of KK Wetland as a globally
recognised Ramsar site. To maintain the sustainability of the forest involved,
detailed studies on ecosystem balance must be conducted in the study area, both
in the central area and the buffer zone. This will help ensure the perpetuation of
the ecosystem's equilibrium and promote the attractiveness of the wetland.
METHODOLOGY
The Geospatial and Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) methods were utilised to
determine the overall CO2 levels present in the area. The GIS mapping technique
was employed to estimate the size of the green space in the mangrove forest,
which comprises three main types of plants that absorb CO2, namely trees,
bushes, and meadows. Although the VIA method is typically used for building
assessments, it was modified in this case to confirm the actual situation on the
ground after the GIS analysis. Additionally, secondary data on daily visitor
estimates was collected from the information centre. It is interesting to note that
the site mainly attracts international visitors. The estimated number of daily
visitors ranges from 20 to 50 people, averaging 35 people per day. Most visitors
are bird enthusiasts, environmental groups, researchers, scholars, and school
groups on excursions. Visitors’ presence is crucial to the study, whereby each
visitor will contribute as the subject in calculating CO2 emissions (Latip &
Umar, 2022). Furthermore, Grey & Deneke (1978) and Idris et al. (2017)
argue that the CO2 produced by visitors to the area is the same at 0.3456 tons of
CO2/human/year. To complete the assessment, the formula modification by
Latip & Umar (2022) imposes the attribute below:
P = Jp x Cvisitor
Where,
P = Total CO2 emissions from the population (tons/year)
Jp = Total population (visitor)
Cvisitor = Total CO2 produced by humans, which is 0.3456 (ton/human/year)
The CO2 absorption capacity is based on Table 2 with the type of plant,
namely tree, bushy and meadow.
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar, Normah Abdul Latip, Kasim Mansur, Norita Jubit, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh
Establishing Mangrove Forest Products for Eco-Tourism Activity at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site,
Sabah. Malaysia
© 2024 by MIP 480
Table 4: CO2 Absorption Ability According to the Type of Plant
No
Type of
Plant
CO2 Absorption Capacity
(Kg/Ha/Day)
CO2 Absorption Capacity
(Ton/Ha/Year)
1
Tree
1559.1
569.07
2
Bushy
150.68
55.00
3
Meadow
32.88
12.00
Source: Latip & Umar, (2022), Idris et al. (2017) and Prasetyo et al. (2002)
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Table 5 portrays the recorded and estimated number of visitors to the study area.
The average number of visitors per day is 35, and the estimated annual visitation
number is 12,775. Consequently, the CO2 emission is 4415.04, the Pt value.
Table 5: Average Visitor Daily (08.00-18.00)
Estimate Daily
The visitor (Jp)
C02/Visitor
Total CO2 (P)
Min
20
0.3456
6.912
Maximum
50
0.3456
17.28
Average Daily
35
0.3456
12.10
Annually (Pt)
12775
0.3456
4415.04
Source: Authors, (2024)
According to Figure 1, GIS estimated a point to measure consequences
and calculate the study area, approximately 24.2 hectares.
Figure 1: Estimate Profile Area (24.2 ha)
Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site
Source: Authors, (2023)
PLANNING MALAYSIA
Journal of the Malaysia Institute of Planners (2024)
481 © 2024 by MIP
As per the data presented in Table 6, the CO2 absorption ability of
different plant types in the study area is evaluated. The analysis was performed
by computing the percentage of each plant type's occurrence in the area. The
evaluation results indicate that trees had the highest presence in the area, covering
89% of the total area and exhibiting a CO2 absorption ability of 12,257.77. On
the other hand, small trees covered 8% of the area, with a CO2 absorption ability
of 106.15. Lastly, the remaining plant types covered 3% of the area and had a
CO2 absorption ability of 8.76.
Table 6: Estimate CO2 Absorption Ability According to the Type of Plant
No
Type of Plant
Area
(%)
Area
(Ha)
Ability
Absorb CO2
(Ton/Ha/Year)
Amount
1
Tree
89
21.54
569.07
12,257.77
2
Bushy (small tree)
8
1.93
55.00
106.15
3
Meadow (grass area)
3
0.73
12.00
8.76
The total amount of CO2 absorption ability for the area (Tt)
12,372.69
Source: Authors, (2024)
Carbon footprint Analysis (S Value)
During the assessment of an area's functionality, it has been observed that
negative S values signify the thriving status of the area, implying its capability to
sustain an increase in visitors. Conversely, positive S values suggest that the area
is not performing well and must be cautiously approached.
Table 5: Estimate Carbon footprint analysis (S value)
Variable
Description
Total
Pt
Total CO2 emissions from the population
(tons/year)
4,415.04
Tt
Total CO2 absorption ability according to
the type of plant (tons/year)
12,372.69
S Value
Pt - Tt
-7,957.65
Source: Authors, (2023)
According to the estimations provided in Table 5, the existing trees in
the area have a CO2 absorption capacity with S values of -7957.65. This data
indicates that the area can accommodate more visitors while maintaining its
current carbon footprint. Therefore, KK Wetland, an area managed by Sabah
Wetlands Conservation Society in partnership with the City Council of Kota
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar, Normah Abdul Latip, Kasim Mansur, Norita Jubit, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh
Establishing Mangrove Forest Products for Eco-Tourism Activity at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site,
Sabah. Malaysia
© 2024 by MIP 482
Kinabalu, has ample mangrove trees that meet visitors' needs and contribute to
the environment's wellness.
CONCLUDING REMARK
Conclusively, the results of the conducted studies unequivocally demonstrate the
potential of the subject sites to accommodate an increased number of visitors in
the future. However, the realisation of this potential is contingent upon
implementing a rigorous monitoring regime, providing expert guidance from
relevant parties, and undertaking measures with utmost diligence to safeguard the
existing area, particularly the site's buffer zone. This will necessitate meticulous
planning and physical action, in strict parallel with the planning of local
authorities and the state.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge the Sabah Wetland Conservation Society
(SWCS), the Borneo Institute of Indigenous Studies (BorIIS), and the Universiti
Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for providing the platform and financial support to
conduct this research.
REFERENCES
Abdul Latip, N., & Umar, M. U. (2022). A SUSTAINABLE CARBON FOOTPRINT
ANALYSIS FOR THE CITY OF KUANTAN, PAHANG MALAYSIA.
PLANNING MALAYSIA, 20. https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v20i23.1147
Abdullah, M. I. U. (2017, October 4). KK Wetland taman flora fauna hampir pupus.
Berita Harian. https://api.bharian.com.my/hujung-
minggu/kembara/2017/10/333567/kk-wetland-taman-flora-fauna-hampir-pupus
Analuddin, K., Armid, A., Ruslin, R., Sharma, S., Ode Kadidae, L., Ode Muhammad
Yasir Haya, L., Septiana, A., Rahim, S., McKenzie, R. A., & La Fua, J. (2023).
The carrying capacity of estuarine mangroves in maintaining the coastal urban
environmental health of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Egyptian Journal of
Aquatic Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejar.2023.03.002
Anuar, A. S., & Latip, N. A. (2020). Mangrove contributions towards environmental
conservation and tourism in Balik Pulau. Current Advancement in Conservation,
Science and Technology, 1(1), 1–7.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0,5&cluster=1626180614268
1515256
Cooley, J. (2015). Wetland Ecological Services. Wetland Economic Benefits for
Landowners. https://valuewetlands.tamu.edu/2015/04/15/wetland-ecological-
benefits/
Diaz-Christiansen, S., López-Guzmán, T., Pérez Gálvez, J. C., & Muñoz Fernández, G.
A. (2016). Wetland tourism in natural protected areas: Santay Island (Ecuador).
Tourism Management Perspectives, 20, 47–54.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2016.07.005
PLANNING MALAYSIA
Journal of the Malaysia Institute of Planners (2024)
483 © 2024 by MIP
Donato, D. C., Kauffman, J. B., Murdiyarso, D., Kurnianto, S., Stidham, M., & Kanninen,
M. (2011). Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics. Nature
Geoscience, 4(5), 293–297. https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1123
Grey, G. W., & Deneke, F. J. (1978). Urban Forestry (1st Editio). John Wiley and Sons.
Hsu, P. (2019). Economic impact of wetland ecotourism: An empirical study of Taiwan’s
Cigu Lagoon area. Tourism Management Perspectives, 29, 31–40.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2018.10.003
Idris, N., Mahmud, M., & Lumpur, K. (2017). Kajian Jejak Karbon Di Kuala Lumpur. E-
Bangi, 14(2), 165–182.
Jonas, H., & Yapp, N. T. (2016). EXPLORING THE GOVERNANCE OF RESOURCES
IN THE LOWER KINABATANGAN-SEGAMA WETLANDS RAMSAR SITE.
https://www.iucn.org/resources/grey-literature/nrgf-exploring-governance-
resources-lower-kinabatangan-segama-wetlands
Lahasing, G., Ignatius, R., & Anton, A. (2016). KOTA KINABALU WETLANDS
TOWARDS ITS RAMSAR STATUS. Kota Kinabalu Wetland.
https://rsis.ramsar.org/RISapp/files/44595691/documents/MY2290_lit1606.pdf
Latip, N. A., Badarulzaman, N., Marzuki, A., & Umar, M. U. (2013). Sustainable forest
management in Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah: Issues and current practices.
Planning Malaysia, 11, 59–84.
M. Brander, L., J. Wagtendonk, A., S. Hussain, S., McVittie, A., Verburg, P. H., de Groot,
R. S., & van der Ploeg, S. (2012). Ecosystem service values for mangroves in
Southeast Asia: A meta-analysis and value transfer application. Ecosystem
Services, 1(1), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2012.06.003
NASA. (2010). Mapping Mangroves by Satellite. NASA Earth Observatory.
https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/47427/mapping-mangroves-by-satellite
NOAA. (2023, January 23). What is a mangrove forest? National Ocean Service.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/mangroves.html
Ono, J., Yong, J. W. H., Takayama, K., Saleh, M. N. Bin, Wee, A. K. S., Asakawa, T.,
Yllano, O. B., Salmo, S. G., Suleiman, M., Tung, N. X., Soe, K. K.,
Meenakshisundaram, S. H., Watano, Y., Webb, E. L., & Kajita, T. (2016).
Bruguiera hainesii, a critically endangered mangrove species, is a hybrid between
B. cylindrica and B. gymnorhiza (Rhizophoraceae). Conservation Genetics, 17(5).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-016-0849-y
Pimid, M., Abdul Latip, N., Marzuki, A., Umar, M. U., & Krishnan, K. T. (2020).
STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT OF CONSERVATION IN LOWER
KINABATANGAN SABAH. PLANNING MALAYSIA, 18(13).
https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v18i13.776
Prasetyo, I., Do, H. D., & Do, D. D. (2002). Surface diffusion of strong adsorbing vapours
on porous carbon. Chemical Engineering Science, 57(1), 133–141.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-2509(01)00355-4
Ramsar. (2014a). ABOUT THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS. In Ramsar. THE
RAMSAR CONVENTION SECRETARIAT. https://www.ramsar.org/about-the-
convention-on-wetlands-0
Ramsar. (2014b). Ramsar Sites Information Service. RAMSAR.ORG.
https://www.ramsar.org/search?search_api_views_fulltext=malaysia
Mohd Umzarulazijo Umar, Normah Abdul Latip, Kasim Mansur, Norita Jubit, Mohamad Pirdaus Yusoh
Establishing Mangrove Forest Products for Eco-Tourism Activity at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site,
Sabah. Malaysia
© 2024 by MIP 484
RAMSAR. (2017, March 28). Malaysia designates the Kota Kinabalu Wetland as a
Ramsar Site. RAMSAR. https://www.ramsar.org/news/malaysia-designates-the-
kota-kinabalu-wetland-as-a-ramsar-site
Skov, H. (2019). UN Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR): Implications for Human
Health. In Encyclopedia of Environmental Health (pp. 231–237). Elsevier.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.11817-2
UNESCO. (1987). The Sundarban. UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/798/
Woodward, R. T., & Wui, Y. S. (2001). The economic value of wetland services: A meta-
analysis. Ecological Economics, 37(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-
8009(00)00276-7
Received: 5th Mar 2024. Accepted: 17th July 2024
