To protect the environment, both terrestrial and underwater, we need to understand it, know where we are, be aware of our surroundings, how they became that way and what is their purpose.

At Gaya Island, in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, guests often wonder what trees grow in sea water - and the answer is, mangroves! Consisting of mainly large and extensive root systems anchoring into a salt swamp, mangroves thrive in wooded/shrub-covered land, where the sediment has high levels of organic content.

These areas are protected from strong waves, making mangroves an important natural feature to both the land as much as a benefit to the marine environment. 

Coasts are protected, from tides, waves and other forces of the sea, by mangroves. A number of sea organisms find shelter for breeding and nursing in the thick forests of this saline swamp. There are so many things to learn and see in and around the mangroves which makes it a great place to dive or hike around. 

It is also an area that needs protecting from debris that get entangled to the mangrove roots, so the Downbelow team conduct frequent clean-ups, to uphold the Project AWARE commitment.