The ‘River Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Sg Batu Stretch through Biodiversity Enhancement’ project is supported by CIMB Islamic Bank. This project will be carried out through localised initiatives such as restoration of the riverbank using nature-based solutions, riverine tree planting for habitat regeneration and introduction of wetland plants for river water quality improvement. Additionally, monitoring of the river health focusing on water quality, biodiversity monitoring and pollution reduction initiatives is vital and will be implemented through smart partnership initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the project. There are seven communities that are involved in this project; Kg Baru Batu Caves, Kg Indian Settlement Batu Caves, Kg Laksamana, Kg Melayu Batu Caves Selatan, Kg Nakhoda, Kg Sg Kertas and Kg Sg Tua Baharu.  The aims of the project include:

• To enhance biodiversity into riverine management and develop a mechanism in river monitoring and pollution management
• To promote and encourage stakeholder participation especially local community in mainstreaming biodiversity into river management
• To reduce pressure on water resource management- impact of pollution, waste generation as well as demand management at grass root level through water conservation and zero waste programmes
• To attract community to care for and utilise the river/ river banks

Objectives:

• To restore the riverbanks with nature-based solutions i.e. bioengineering and tree planting to reduce riverbank erosion and landslides
• To reintroduce and replant the local riverine species and pollinating plants/ trees along the riverbank to increase the biodiversity of the area
• To reduce the impact of pollution by encouraging pollution reduction action plans and activities through SMART partnership
• To establish community-based river waterfront to encourage community participation in river management