Published on 07 Mar 2024
International Conference ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT of tropical forests
The Sarawak Timber Association (STA) hosted
the International Conference on Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests,
coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Forests.
The conference was organised in
collaboration with the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and WWF-Malaysia and supported
by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). It served as a
platform for international and national experts, practitioners, policymakers,
and stakeholders to explore the crucial interconnection between forestry and
sustainable development towards establishing a comprehensive strategy that was
key to conserving the long-term vitality of tropical forests. The two-day event
(6-7 March) at Hilton Kuching received an overwhelming response from
approximately 200 participants representing multi-level stakeholders,
indicating their interest in sustainable forest management (SFM) and conserving
the tropical forests.
Esteemed leaders from the timber industry,
government bodies, and conservation organizations, including STA Chairman Dato
Henry Lau, FDS Director Datu Haji Hamden Bin Haji Mohammad, and WWF-Malaysia
Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, spoke at the conference, setting the scene
for collective action for sustainable forests. Their speeches underscored the
paramount importance of tropical forests in conserving biodiversity, generating
economic benefits, and fostering positive social aspects through responsible
and sustainable forest management. Recognising the multifaceted contributions
of tropical forests, their insights illuminated how collaborative efforts could
shape policies and initiatives to simultaneously advance environmental
sustainability, economic well-being, and social welfare.
ITTO Executive Director Ms. Sheam Satkuru
delivered a keynote address titled "Sustainable Tropical Forestry Supply
Chains and Investment – A Pathway for A Sustainable Future". In her
address, she shed light on significant global shifts in tropical wood
production, consumption, and trade, and their implications for SFM. She also
delved into the potential of sustainable tropical forestry in enhancing
livelihoods, conserving forests, and providing multiple benefits, drawing on
examples and various initiatives.
The organisers also took the opportunity to
launch the Handbooks of Reduced Impact Logging Guideline, a joint project
between FDS and STA, and High Conservation Value Training Modules, which were a
joint publication by WWF-Malaysia, STA, FDS, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation.
The conference had four sessions to
deliberate on Valuing our Forest - Future Directions and Policies;
Climate-smart SFM - What Are The Options?; Finance, Market, and Branding -
Building Opportunities; and Collaboration and Partnership - Research, Risk, and
Safeguards. Moderators and speakers who were leaders in their fields of academia
and industry deliberated on these four topics.
The E-booklet, presentation for setting the scene, keynote speech, presentation slide by speakers and closing presentation can be downloaded by
clicking here or scanning the QR code.
created with
Joomla Page Builder .