Malaysia, Lower Kinabatangan River
The lower river basin of the Kinabatangan river covers almost 4,000 square kilometres of the Malaysian state of Sabah in north-east Borneo. It is one of the richest ecosystems on earth, and large areas are flooded during the rainy season. The mangrove swamps at the mouth of the river are valuable nursery grounds for replenishing fish stocks. Freshwater swamp and riverine forests are home to rich and varied wildlife, such as Elephants, Orang-Utans, Proboscis monkeys and Hornbills. The Lower Kinabatangan is centrally placed amidst a number of other tourist destinations that include Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok Orang-Utan Centre and Danum Valley.

Kinabatangan's natural treasures at risk
Oil palm plantations now dominate much of the landscape, reflecting their importance for the economy of the region. But the plantations face land use conflicts with local people and damage by wildlife. Effluents from the processing plants, soil erosion, fertilisers and other agrochemicals are placing a burden on the river environment and it is becoming harder to meet environmental regulations. With floods frequently occurring, large areas of young oil palm plants may be destroyed. Pollution of the river could one day affect the coastal fisheries, and the water supply to the provincial capital of Sandakan. Commercial logging formed the mainstay of the regional economy from the 50s to the mid 70s. By 1996 more than half the dipterocarp forest had been replaced by oil palm. Many of the remaining forests are degraded and little commercial forestry now remains. Wildlife habitats are increasingly fragmented, causing farm intrusions by elephants and Orang-Utans and ultimately threatening the existence of these animals in the region.

Common purpose
All those with a stake in the Lower Kinabatangan region are working to find a common purpose for economic development and conservation. The key to resolving development constraints in the Kinabatangan floodplain is wise investment. The future conservation and sustainable exploitation of the natural resource is closely linked to the future well-being of the plantation industry and the livelihood options provided to the local population.

Kinabatangan's future
The vision is clear. A varied landscape supporting a thriving and diverse economy that offers opportunity and choice to local people and businesses. Where mutual cooperation ensures good environmental management of the natural capital on which all partners depend. A landscape in which agriculture and nature conservation are united by their common source of vitality - water. A corridor along the Kinabatangan river, connecting the coastal mangrove swamps with the upland forests, where wildlife, farming, ecotourism and local forest industries thrive and support each other.

Partners for Wetlands works to safeguard the integrity of the wetland system by filling in the missing links between remaining forest blocks and guarantee the wetland's vital role in buffering water flows and providing a secure supply of clean drinking water.