Although numerous tree-planting programs aim for forest restoration, many fall short because they overlook the importance of using diverse, high-quality seeds. This problem is compounded by limited technical knowledge on how to germinate and cultivate sensitive native species such as the Berembang (Sonneratia caseolaris), which play a crucial role in wetland restoration. As a result, despite more money and efforts invested in restoration, many projects still fail, even after decades, to establish forests that deliver essential ecosystem functions and services.
This raises an important question: What can we do to restore more forests under these constraints?
In response to the challenge, Bringing Back Our Rare Animals (BORA), with steadfast support from The Habitat Foundation, has charted new ground in ecological restoration through its exploration of the Berembang tree (Sonneratia caseolaris). Commonly known as mangrove apple, Berembang is a native wetland tree that bears fruit along the Kinabatangan Floodplain, addressing the biodiversity gaps in current restoration efforts.
Leading this initiative is Datuk Dr. John Payne and his team, who aim to advance the science of freshwater wetland restoration. The team experimented with different conditions in which Berembang could thrive. This is especially crucial for restoration work in waterlogged areas like those in the Kinabatangan Floodplain. By testing with varied temperatures, soil types, and light conditions, they propagated the seedlings in nursery conditions and found the right recipe to propagate Berembang.
The study revealed that the Berembang is highly delicate during its early stages, requiring specific protocols—from sowing seeds within days of harvest and nurturing them in wet clay under partial shade, to planting them along pond and lake edges where they thrive best. Their work not only promotes ecological recovery and habitat value but also provides a replicable framework for similar ecosystems across the region.
The Habitat Foundation, undoubtedly, acknowledges BORA as an accomplished and innovative science-based NGO with a proven track record and deep familiarity with the Sabah landscape. Over time, THF has witnessed BORA’s consistent dedication to advancing ecological restoration through research, experimentation, and collaboration with local plantations. Recognizing this expertise, we saw great potential in the team to share the project’s findings effectively across the sector and possibly in other landscapes. Beyond that, the project offered a compelling demonstration of how the Berembang could be used to rehabilitate abandoned, waterlogged areas where previous replanting efforts had failed.
