Using REDD + to balance timber production with conservation objectives in a mangrove forest in Malaysia

Abstract

In this paper we evaluate if REDD+ initiatives might be financially viable to be used to achieve a more sustainable balance between timber production and ecosystem health in a mangrove forest area in Malaysia. The focus of our study is on a 40,466ha mangrove forest in Malaysia known as the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve has been used for charcoal and pole production for over 100years and is often described as a good example of a sustainably managed multi-use mangrove forest. However, recent research shows that the health of various components of the ecosystem is in decline (notably some bird species and the blood cockle fishery). We use opportunity cost analysis to determine that the minimum compensation required to offset the production revenue currently derived from timber production in the forest is less than US$0.83 tCO2e. At these relatively low costs we demonstrate that REDD+ is financially viable to be strategically used to support the conservation of some parts of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve which could result in better sustainable outcomes for the forest area and its stakeholders as a whole.