The Wetlands arboretum is a key attraction within Gamuda cove and plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
Spanning 90 acres within Gamuda Cove, the Wetlands Arboretum serves as an ecological sanctuary dedicated to conserving native and endangered species, promoting sustainability and fostering environmental education.
This vibrant repository of flora plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration, aiding the rehabilitation of degraded land, providing essential food and shelter for wildlife and enhancing the area’s ecological balance.
It transforms unproductive land into a thriving ecosystem while creating serene spaces for recreation and learning.
The arboretum features more than 150,000 trees planted, with over 80% comprising native and naturalised species plus an additional 42 flora species classified of conservation importance by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Wetlands Arboretum has been thoughtfully designed to empower the local Orang Asli community by creating opportunities for employment as rangers and cultural ambassadors, while supporting their handicraft production.
It also serves as a vital component of a broader network of natural attractions in Gamuda Cove, including the adjacent Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands (PIDW) which is open to public.
Together, these attractions provide residents and visitors unparalleled experiences to explore Malaysia’s wetlands through activities like nature trails, birdwatching and cultural workshops led by the Orang Asli.
These natural spaces, complemented by Gamuda Land’s signature central parks and lakes across its townships, form a cohesive living environment that balances urban development with nature conservation.
By seamlessly integrating biodiversity with community engagement, the Wetlands Arboretum exemplifies the importance of mindfully integrating green spaces into modern living.
This approach not only enhances the physical landscape but also enriches the quality of life for residents while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
The arboretum empowers the Orang asli community and serves as a venue for their cultural workshops.
And nestled within the arboretum is the Wetlands Arboretum Centre (WAC), dedicated to edu-tourism and research for biodiversity and educational programmes to enhance public awareness on conservation and tradition.
The centre acts as the central hub for all matters pertaining to the conservation, enhancement, activation and research of the wetlands biome and aims to fulfil multifunctional objectives for Gamuda Parks.
This includes forest restoration, floodwater drainage reserve, research lab and seed bank facility to propagate plant species that suit local habitat with a focus on the wetlands ecosystem.
This living tree museum and knowledge centre, designed to inspire people to live in harmony with nature, has deservedly been honoured with the prestigious Malaysia Property AwardTM 2024 (Environmental Category) by FIABCI-Malaysia.
Listening to Mother Nature
Wetlands, with their ability to sequester carbon and store carbon-rich organic sediment, have emerged as one of the most crucial ecosystems for maintaining the global carbon balance and mitigating climate change.
In response to growing awareness of their ecological importance, wetland arboretums – natural ecological gardens designed to highlight and preserve wetland environments – are gaining popularity worldwide as awareness grows about the critical role wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity and supporting wildlife.
Leading this effort, Gamuda Parks is dedicated to safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
Gamuda Land executive director Khariza Abd Khalid shared one notable initiative – the Wild Tree Seed Bank developed in collaboration with Binturong Alam Ventures which has successfully cultivated over 1,000 native forest tree seedlings.
This initiative plays a significant role in advancing Gamuda Land’s #OneMillionTrees movement, driving reforestation and biodiversity conservation.
“These efforts go beyond environmental impact – they provide sustainable income opportunities for the Orang Asli community, who actively participate in seed collection and propagation.
While offering young children immersive, hands-on learning experiences centred around environmental conservation.
“Additionally, the Wetlands Arboretum Centre serves as a venue for Orang Asli cultural workshops, offering visitors a deeper connection to Malaysia’s indigenous heritage and traditions,” she said.
Khariza further highlighted the arboretum’s significance as a key attraction within Gamuda Cove, offering a unique back-to-nature living experience.
“With its certification as Malaysia’s first net-zero building under the EDGE Advanced Certificate, the Wetlands Arboretum stands out as a beacon of sustainability.
“Its design incorporates being powered entirely by solar energy, rainwater harvesting and recycled materials, setting a benchmark for integrating sustainability into urban living.
“This combination of biodiversity conservation, cultural engagement and sustainable design makes the arboretum a compelling draw for eco-conscious buyers and families seeking a meaningful connection to nature while contributing to climate resilience.”
A national biodiversity asset
Designed as a buffer zone with the adjacent 1,111-acre PIDW, the Wetlands Arboretum is a key initiative in preserving the natural environment, aligning with Gamuda Cove’s Low Carbon City status.
The arboretum integrates existing wetlands, fostering collaboration among environmentalists, academic institutions and the public.
Notable partners include Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UniKL and International Islamic University Malaysia.
The Wetlands Arboretum is designed with multiple water features including rivers, lakes, ponds and cascading fountains, which serve as key elements for stormwater management.
These water-based environmental controls promote aquatic biodiversity, enhance the aesthetic appeal of the environment and ensure effective water flow.
The wetlands also serve as natural cooling agents and have become key spots for recreation and education, offering the community a closer connection to nature.
The arboretum, designed with a strong focus on community engagement, hosts the Jungle School Programme, launched in November 2023 to provide young children with immersive, hands-on learning experiences centred around environmental conservation.
This initiative introduces children to the importance of biodiversity and the crucial role of wetlands, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and awareness from an early age.
When fully completed, the Wetlands Arboretum will be home to more than 300 species of flora and fauna and will play a crucial ecological role to create awareness among the general public to help protect our natural resources.
