Valuation of Ecosystem Services by Local Communities Around Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Malaysia

Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR) on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the longest managed mangrove forests for sustainable charcoal and pole production. To understand the interactions between nearby communities and the mangrove ecosystem, a systematic sampling of the houses for questionnaire-based interviews was conducted, and the data were analyzed through multiple correspondence analysis and group comparison tests. In general, Malay communities have higher mangrove-related knowledge and utilization levels than Chinese communities. Out of 124 respondents, 31% use mangroves as fuel, 44% for construction material, 13% for medicine, and 2% for food, drinks, or animal feed. Although personal collection is limited, there is a heavy reliance on mangrove charcoal and poles purchased from the market. While being a major (wood) production forest, the mangrove reserve is also an important fishing ground for 56% of the respondents, where trawler encroachment and the use of illegal fishing gear are common problems. Respondents observed sea level rise, sedimentation, and pollution in the area; depopulation is a prominent problem for some Chinese communities. Our findings show that coastal mangrove fishing communities are facing new environmental and social challenges; thus, supportive policies should be in place to ensure their livelihood and wellbeing.