By Shahabuddin Amerudin
Source: MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT by Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC)
The press statement discusses Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable forest management and responds to a report by RimbaWatch titled “State of Malaysian Rainforest 2023.” The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) acknowledges the efforts of civil society in raising awareness about forest loss but highlights that the findings of the report are estimations and require further review and verification.
The statement emphasizes that forest conservation is a crucial component of Malaysia’s Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) commitment. It cites the United Nations Global Forest Resource Assessment Report 2020, which recognizes Malaysia as a High Forest, Low Deforestation country among 25 other developing nations.
The Ministry outlines several proactive measures being taken to strengthen forestry management, including identifying and increasing Permanent Forest Reserves (PRF), increasing allocations for biodiversity conservation through the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT), implementing strategies under the Malaysia Policy on Forestry (MPF), taking legal action against illegal logging, restricting mining activities in protected areas, imposing a moratorium on new forest plantations within PRFs, and utilizing forest monitoring systems.
Furthermore, the statement highlights efforts to empower indigenous peoples and local communities through various initiatives such as the Social Forestry Strategic Plan of Malaysia 2021-2025, coastal area rehabilitation, employment of community rangers, establishing nurseries, and promoting ecotourism and recreational parks.
The Ministry expresses the need for a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders, including civil society, academia, the private sector, state governments, and the general public, to improve the outcomes of their work.
Suggested Reaction from the Research Community:
- Appreciation for Transparency: Researchers should appreciate the Ministry’s acknowledgment of civil society efforts and the importance of increased awareness about forest loss. They should commend the Ministry’s commitment to reviewing and verifying the findings of the RimbaWatch report, as it demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.
- Encouragement for Scientific Review: The research community should encourage the Ministry to ensure a rigorous scientific review of the RimbaWatch report. They can suggest collaborating with relevant experts and institutions to evaluate the methodology, data sources, and findings to establish a solid foundation for future actions.
- Request for Data Sharing: Researchers may request that the Ministry share relevant data and information related to forest management and conservation efforts. Access to accurate and up-to-date data will allow scientists to conduct independent assessments and contribute to the improvement of forest management strategies.
- Support for Strengthening Measures: The research community should acknowledge and support the proactive measures being implemented by the Ministry, such as increasing Permanent Forest Reserves, allocating funds for biodiversity conservation, and enforcing laws against illegal logging. They can suggest conducting independent evaluations of the effectiveness of these measures and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Focus on Long-Term Sustainability: Researchers should encourage the Ministry to maintain a long-term perspective on sustainable forest management. They can emphasize the importance of adopting comprehensive strategies that address both conservation and socio-economic aspects, while considering the impacts of climate change and other emerging challenges.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: The research community should express their willingness to collaborate with the Ministry and other stakeholders. They can offer expertise, research findings, and best practices to support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to the continuous improvement of forest management policies and practices.
Overall, the research community should approach the press statement with a constructive mindset, appreciating the Ministry’s commitment while providing suggestions and expertise to enhance sustainable forest management efforts in Malaysia.