Seed collecting is another important practice that contributes to Rewild Desaru efforts in conducting reforestation and habitat restoration. This process involves collection of seeds from local flora and related tree species in the Desaru area. These seeds are also guarded, nurtured and germinated in nurseries, they provide young trees for our reforestation initiative.
This is important since getting seeds from within the region maintains the genetic pool of the various plants that exist in that region, and this is essential in having healthy ecosystems that are capable of adapting to change. Seed collection is also an educational benefit of the program in which participants can learn about the seed and plant variety, the cycle of plant’s life, and the mutualism between plants and animals. Involving the community in this activity creates a sense of familiarity and appreciation of the natural assets in Desaru and allowing them to have a connection to place.
Collection of seeds is done in ways that do not harm the plants further or compromise the capability of the seeds. Some seeds are individually hand picked from the pods or fruits, sometimes seeds drop naturally on the collectors sheet placed beneath trees while others are directly collected by shaking the trees or picking them from the ground. The collection is well done to avoid exploiting seeds plenty from the natural resources in order to meet the requirements of wildlife and other natural processes. Some of the equipment that is typically used in the collection are baskets, nets and pruning shears.
