Malaysia: Don't fear Ramsar status, those near wetlands told

New Straits Times 2 Nov 12;

KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to get KK Wetlands listed in the Ramsar Site for wetlands of international importance will bring a positive impact for its residents and landowners.

Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) president Zainie Abdul Aucasa said stakeholders should not worry about the listing.

This was because the listing would add value to the surrounding land and not jeopardise property prices as feared by some people.

"Ramsar itself is a branding that is equivalent to world heritage status.

"In terms of tourism, the listing will enhance the area because people will be drawn to visit the wetlands," he said, adding that such a scenario would lead to an increase in property value.

Zainie was speaking after a dialogue session with stakeholders.

KK Wetlands, located in Likas, is about 10 minutes drive from the city centre.

It covers 24ha of mangrove forest and is used primarily as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research.

Almost 90 bird species can be found at the wetlands, which has been designated as a bird sanctuary since 1996.

During the dialogue, many stakeholders expressed concern about the possibility of the listing affecting landowners.

Sabah Biodiversity Centre director Dr Abdul Fatah Amir said the listing would not restrict development as it only served to provide a more comprehensive protection of the wetlands as an important ecosystem for the maintenance of biodiversity.

He added that landowners who wished to develop their land would still be able to do so provided that they complied with existing rules and regulations.