Rajang Delta Mangrove and Peatland Restoration Project

Malaysia’s Rajang Delta is one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, but its mangrove forests with all their biodiversity are threatened by decades of logging and palm oil development.

In an area of 77,600 hectares, where little blue carbon data is yet available, this project will define the technical, social, and financial viability of blue carbon projects in the Delta. The intention is to map how investment can be directed towards strengthening community wellbeing, restoring and protecting endangered habitat, and building long-term ecosystem resilience.

We are currently in the preparation phase of a multi-year blue carbon project which has significant climate mitigation and adaptation potential. Carbon finance from mangrove conservation and restoration will include community benefit sharing mechanisms underpinning the continued conservation of the Delta’s forests over the long term.

Preparation phase activities include:

• Development of a credible emissions profile based on climate and environment science
• Consultation with local communities on benefit sharing mechanisms, governance and land tenure
• Undertaking a community-led assessment of rights, resources, and preferred future management scenarios
• Seeking financial and legal clarity in preparing the roadmap for investment in the implementation of the Rajang Delta’s blue carbon project
• Preparing an investment proposal for consideration by potential investors which will form the basis of a VCS and CCB Project Description
• Outline a conservation and community investment proposition, including a roadmap for next steps

Activities already underway include:

• Consultation with the Sarawak Forest Department on the proposed project
• Rapid technical assessment and estimation of emission profile for the Project by EcoSecurities.
• Submission of an Expression of Interest to the Sarawak Forest Department
• Field tour, community introductions and Sarawak Government engagement
• Application for Carbon Study Permit to Sarawak Forest Department
• Establishment of collaborative task forces including community stakeholders, society groups and NGOs.