Forest Research Associates (FRA) supports Malaysia’s moves
towards managed forestry. The Sabah region of Malaysia has almost 400,000
hectares of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) classified managed forests, making
it the most sustainable region.
The state was awarded a further two FSC Well Managed Forests Certificates
earlier this month for regions covering 300,000 hectares. “Malaysia is showing
commitment to its forests by holding onto one of the longest running
certifications with the FSC, while winning new certifications for huge areas of
its rainforest land,” stated FRA’s analyst Peter Collins.
The new certifications were awarded to the Tangkulap-Pinangah and the Ulu
Segama-Malua forest reserves during the FSC General Assembly Gala Dinner. Chief
Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman sent Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin
Kitingan on his behalf to deliver a speech. He stated, “Our association with
the FSC dates back to over a decade ago following the certification of
Deramakot Forest Reserve in July 1997.
“This is indeed a success story for us here in Sabah. It is a fact that our
experience with Deramakot now serves as an important catalyst in spreading
Sustainable Forest Management practices which we adopted in 1997, to the
State’s 3.6 million ha of forest reserves,” he added.
The FRA is a research and analysis consultancy that focuses on sustainability,
forestry investment and global managed forestry issues. It welcomes the news
that 300,000 hectares of forests in Malaysia are now protected through the FSC
certification. Peter Collins continued, “It is great to see a commitment from
such an important nation in the fight to protect our valuable forests from
deforestation and over-logging. This not only protects the future of the
forests, which are vital for the control of CO2 emissions, but also safeguards
the future of the industry for generations to come, ensuring that they too can
make a living out of sustainable forestry.”
FRA claims that foreign investment in managed forestry projects taking place in
developing countries is vital for the future of both the forestry industry and
the planet. Firms like Greenwood Management and Foreco Growth are now offering
people the opportunity to invest in areas of sustainably managed forestry in
emerging economies such as Brazil.
Pairin added, “We are committed to moving forward the need to certify other
forest reserves in Sabah.” One of the changes that the region has introduced
was the phasing out of short-term logging contracts that flouted the principles
of sustainability.
“By committing to sustainable ways of logging, Sabah has also been able to
safeguard the interests of local communities whose lives depend on the forest,”
added Pairin.
Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
206-316-8394
