Fostering public awareness and wetland conservation through biodiversity education at Paya Indah Wetlands, Malaysia

Abstract

Paya Indah Wetlands (PIW) in Dengkil, Selangor, managed by PERHILITAN, is a biodiversity-rich reserve that serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, including the endangered saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the river hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), while promoting conservation, education, and ecotourism. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities in enhancing visitor awareness of wetland and wildlife conservation. Using a mixed-method approach, data were collected from 18 January to 24 April 2025 through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations involving 261 visitors aged 18 and above. Results indicate that visitors highly valued PIW’s conservation and educational roles, with average ratings ranging from 4.52 to 4.58. They appreciated the site's biodiversity (M = 4.45), strongly supported ecosystem protection (M = 4.53), and felt safe during their visit (M = 4.49). These findings suggest that CEPA efforts at PIW effectively enhance public perception and environmental awareness, offering a strong baseline for targeted improvements in future education and outreach initiatives.