Published on 27 Mar 2024

Second Workshop on High Conservation Value Screening for Permanent Forest Estates in Sarawak

The second Workshop on High Conservation Value (HCV) Screening for Permanent Forest Estates (PFE) in Sarawak was organised by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia), in collaboration with the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and the Sarawak Timber Association (STA). It took place from 19 – 21 March 2024, at Wisma STA Kuching, with STA hosting the venue.

The Workshop was a continuation from the previous workshop held in July 2023.  Representatives from STA members who are attached with their Forest Management Units, the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA), WWF-Malaysia, and FDS actively participated and shared their expertise and insights during the 3-day Workshop. The workshop's primary objective was to assess the presence of High Conservation Values (HCVs) in PFE and its surrounding areas throughout Sarawak. In addition, the Workshop aimed to identify potential threats to these HCVs and prioritize the values most at risk.

The Workshop was facilitated by Mr Neville Kemp from HCV Network.

Published on 13 Mar 2024

SARAWAK TIMBER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Sarawak Timber Association Annual General Meeting for 2024 will be held on:

 Date : 26 March 2024 (Tuesday)
 Venue : Level 4, Wisma STA, Kuching

Please note that this is an Election year for the Association.  Registration will start at 9.00 a.m.

For further information, please contact Ms Miriam Hong or Ms Jessie Kong by phone (082-332222) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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.