Highland forest decelerates the flow of rainwater down steep slopes, retaining some of it as well. This prevents torrents of muddy water from eroding the soil and causing landslides and flashfloods. These important functions of the highland forests hang in delicate balance and are easily affected by the slightest shift in environmental conditions. Current development trends in the highlands are threatening our natural water towers. Degradation, such as excessive clearing of forests, leads to the siltation of rivers and contamination of the very water we need.
Dead rivers result, incapable of sustaining life.
Water shortages, landslides and flashfloods are becoming common events in Malaysia. One of the main causes is that Malaysia's highland forests have become the target of unplanned and unsustainable development including such disastrous projects as inappropriate road building and excessive highland resort development. If urgent measures are not taken soon to protect our natural water towers, good clean water may eventually have to be bought in bottles. Projects of such nature span over the boundaries of China, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Pakistan and also Nepal. Partnerships with various sector of community, from government and local communities, to the man on the street is placed high on WWF's work priorities.