Efforts to promote and develop seagrass meadows in Johor as an agrotourism product could attract nature lovers and tourists, according to Kelab Alami project officer Nur Syazwani Ali. She expressed optimism that the right marketing strategy could make the seagrass meadow a popular tourist attraction. Nur Syazwani added that little attention has been paid to the tourism potential of seagrass meadows in Johor and emphasized that seagrass tourism would not only generate revenue but also educate tourists about the importance of protecting them.
Seagrass meadows, or seagrass beds, are underwater ecosystems formed by seagrasses found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries. These flowering plants have stems and long green, grass-like leaves. Nur Syazwani pointed out that Beting Tanjung Kupang, located in Pendas, Gelang Patah, approximately 3.23 nautical miles from the Pendas Laut jetty, is the best place for visitors to explore marine life in the seagrass meadow. To maximize the experience, Kelab Alami organizes three field trips to the shoals monthly during low tide.
During the field trips, participants are taught about the vital role seagrass meadows play in maintaining the health of oceans and providing a habitat for various marine life. Nur Syazwani highlighted the coastline protection seagrasses offer by absorbing wave energy and acting as anchors in underwater sand with their roots.
Meanwhile, Johor Green Earth Society president P. Sivakumar recommended launching mangrove tourism initiatives to preserve and conserve mangroves in the state. He believed this would attract nature lovers, urbanites, and foreign tourists interested in Johor’s rich biodiversity. Sivakumar suggested eco-tourism activities like river cruises, bird watching, boating, kayaking, and wildlife sighting, all of which can be organized at mangroves.
According to Sivakumar, the state government needs to take proactive measures to clean up rivers in Johor and replant mangroves along the riverbanks. He emphasized that mangrove forests not only act as natural wave breakers and prevent soil erosion but also serve as breeding grounds for marine life. This, in turn, provides inland fishermen, especially the Orang Asli, with a source of income and food.
Nur Syazwani Ali
The edible sea snail known as kila (noble volute) among locals can be found during low tide at the seagrass bed in Beting Tanjung Kupang.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
