Forest Sector Planning

Sabah Forestry Department

95

16Forest Sector Planning

As part of the department’s restructuring exercise, the Forest Sector Planning (FSP) Division was upgraded to

the Deputy Director (Forest Sector Planning) Offi ce in mid 2008, following the promotion of Mr. Frederick Kugan as the Deputy Director for Forest Sector Planning.

The main functions of this offi ce, encompass matters relevant to; Policy, Legislation & Sectoral Development, Project Cooperation & Collaboration and International Forestry & Corporate Affairs. The organization structure of the new Deputy Director (Forest Sector Planning) Offi ce is as shown above. This offi ce was also given the honour to act as the Secretary General for important events particularly (1) The offi cial visit by DYMM Agong & Permaisuri to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and (2) the preparation of the Malaysian Rainforest Flora & Fauna Festival (HUTAN MALAYSIA) 2010.

POLICY, LEGISTRATION & SECTORAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (SPOP)

This division maintained its core business overseeing the following area of work: (1) reservation & de-reservation of forest reserves; (2) inter-agency forest sectoral coordination; (3) State legislative assembly and parliament sittings; (4) Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Projects; (5) Kinabatangan-Segama Wetland Ramsar Conservation Area; (6) Forest recreation and ecotourism; (7) Forest restoration projects utilizing Forest Rehabilitation & Community Forestry Project Trust Fund; and (8) Project on the development and management of Pin Supu Forest Reserve.

1. Reservation And De-Reservation Of Forest ReservesSince 2007, a total of 21,392 hectares of State land forests were proposed for gazettement into Forest Reserves (Table 16.1). This includes pristine mangrove and swamp forests of 4,622 hectares to be gazetted as a Wildlife Reserve (Class VII), while another 16,770 hectares of state land forests were proposed to be gazetted as Virgin Jungle Reserves (Class VI).

2. Legislation AmendmentsDuring the reporting year, the department had proposed some amendments to the following sections of the Forest Enactment: (Table 16.2)

Deputy Director(Forest Sector Planning)

Policy, Legislation & Sectoral

Development Division (SPOP)

Project Cooperation & Collaboration Division

(SPOC)

International Forestry & Corporate Affairs

Division (SPOI)

Proposal Area (Ha) Location Class Proposed Date of Submission Remarks

Gazettement of Stateland Forest in Kretam and Kota Kinabatangan as Wildlife Forest Reserve Class VII (Extension)

272 Kinabatangan District

VII (Wildlife Forest Reserve)

14 Jan 2008 Under consideration

Gazettement of Imbak Canyon Forest Reserve Class I (Protection) (Regazetted)

16,750 Tongod District I (Protection) 18 June 2008 Approved by Cabinet

Gazettement of Stateland Forest as Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve of Class VI (Extension)

20 Sg. Sepilok Sandakan

VI(Virgin Jungle Reserve)

01 Jan 2008 Under consideration

Gazettement of Stateland Forest near Kg. Abai Kinabatangan as Wildlife Forest Reserve (Class VII)

4,350 Kg. Abai Kinabatangan

VII(Wildlife Forest Reserve)

05 Sept 2008 Under consideration

Total 21,392

Table 16.1: Forest areas proposed for classifi cation and gazettement into Forest Reserves since 2007

Table 16.2: Proposed amendment of Forest Enactment

Section Description Date of Submission Remarks

Section 41 of Forest Enactment, 1968 (Saving of Native Rights)

The proposed amendment under this section is to include the Director’s consent for the approval of Form IIA Licenses to avoid abuse.

25 July 2008 Under consideration

Section 2, Forest Enactment, 1968 To classify carbon within the forest trees and plants to be defi ned as forest produce.

08 Aug 2008 Under consideration

Organisation structure of the Deputy Director (Forest Sector Planning) Offi ce

Forest Sector Planning

96 Annual Report 2008


3. Inter-Agency Forest Sectoral CoordinationThe First Meeting within the reporting year was held at Kota Kinabalu District Forestry Offi ce on 6th March 2008. In addition to the progress reporting, the meeting also discussed: (i) The Fisheries Department’s proposal for a land swap

involving the Mangrove Forest Reserve at the Darvel Bay Lahad Datu, with their reserves at Lahad Datu and Beaufort, and;

(ii) the Lahad Datu District Council’s application to expand the township area involving part of the Mangrove Forest Reserve in Lahad Datu.

The Meeting was chaired by Tuan Haji Abd Halim Haji Nayan, the Secretary of Natural Resources.

4. State Legislative Assembly And Parliament SittingsIssues that were raised in the 2008 State Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Sittings, amongst others, included the following:-i. Preparation for the Malaysian Rainforest Flora & Fauna

Festival 2010;

ii. Joint-venture project between the Melaka Foundation and Sabah Foundation to develop 5,000 hectares of land at Kalabakan;

iii. Encroachment into forest reserves;iv. Conversion of forest reserves for community settlements; v. Logging licenses within the buffer zone of Maliau Basin;vi. Status and contribution of FMU holders to the State; andvii. Agriculture activities within mangrove forest reserves;

5. Forest Development Projects Utilizing Forest Rehabilitation & Community Forestry Project Trust Fund In 2008, an additional of 23 new projects involving RM11.23 million were approved by the Natural Resources Offi ce to be funded under these trust funds (Table 16.3). The aim is mainly to restore degraded forests and to reforest encroached areas within forest reserves in Sabah. The projects sites are in Tawau, Sipitang, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Sandakan, Tongod, Ranau, Keningau, Sook, Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort.

No. Project Total (RM)

1. Budget For Implementing The Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) Strategies For FMU 10, Trusmadi Forest Reserve 2,200,000.00

2. Restoration of Klias Peat Swamp FR including Kg. Suasa & Kg. Nabahan, Beaufort 1,500,000.00

3. Establishment & Restoration of Mengalong (VJR) FR, Sipitang 400,000.00

4. Restoration of Binsuluk FR, Beaufort 108,250.00

5. Restoration of Siaungau FR, Beaufort 108,250.00

6. Restoration of Madai Baturong VJR 107F FR, Kunak 611,000.00

7. Restoration of Keruak FR, Kinabatangan 116,392.00

8. Establishment of Forest Recreation Facilities of Ulu Kukut (Class IV) FR, Kota Belud 440,000.00

9. Restoration of Mt. Andrassy FR (Class I), Tawau 1,050,000.00

10. Restoration of Babanga FR (Class IV), Tawau 35,000.00

11. Restoration of Baradaya FR (Class IV), Tawau 51,500.00

12. Restoration of Quoin Hill FR (Class I), Tawau 70,000.00

13. Restoration of Membalua FR (Class IV), Tawau 160,000.00

14. Restoration of Tagaroh FR, Kota Marudu 108,000.00

15. Restoration of Trusmadi FR, Keningau 750,000.00

16. Restoration of Melawaring FR, Kota Kinabalu 95,000.00

17. Integrated Development of Tenompok FR, Ranau 684,600.00

18. Restoration, Forest Development & Forest Recreation of Lok Kawi Botanical Garden, Kota Kinabalu 840,000.00

19. Beautifi cation of Recreation Site at Mt. Tingkar, Sg. Pinangah FR, Tongod 75,000.00

20. Restoration of Millian Labau FR (VJR 72C), Sook 499,700.00

21. Potential of planting Jatropha curcas as an agroforestry crop 100,000.00

22. Development & Restoration of Garinono VJR 34E FR, Sandakan 489,302.00

23. Restoration of Ulu Segama (Tumunong Hallu) FR, Lahad Datu 781,300.00

Total 11,273,294.00

Table 16.3: List of Forest Development Projects Utilizing Forest Rehabilitation & Community Forestry Project Trust Funds


97

A committee headed by Mr. Fidelis Bajau, Deputy Director (Development) was established to oversee all these projects. (Please see separate report on Chapter 17, prepared by Mr. Fidelis Bajau, Deputy Director (Development).

6. Sabah Development Corridor (SDC)The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was initiated by the Government to enhance the quality of life of the people by accelerating the growth of Sabah’s economy, promoting regional balance and bridging the rural-urban divide while ensuring sustainable management of the state’s resources. It was offi ciated by the Prime Minister Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi on the 29th January 2008 at Sepanggar Bay, Kota Kinabalu. The department participated in putting up an exhibition on forestry for the expo, and entering a Memorandum of Understanding with Sime Darby on the restoration of degraded areas in Northern Ulu Segama during the launching of the SDC.

A meeting was held on 28th February 2008, Kota Kinabalu District Forestry Offi ce and was chaired by Hj. Abd Halim Haji Nayan, Secretary of Natural Resources.

The Y.A.B. Prime Minister was guided and briefed by Datuk Sam Mannan while visiting Forestry Department’s booth

The exhibition team for the SFD’s booth at Sepanggar Bay, Kota Kinabalu

Project Sites




The department had submitted project proposals for the development of the forestry sector to be implemented under this programme in 2008 to 2025, involving a total sum of about RM 0.5 billion, in the following areas:-

a. Natural timber production involving forest restoration & demarcation;b. Forest plantation;c. Community forestry;d. Conservation on mangrove forests involving boundary demarcation & restoration;e. Non-Forest Produce: Research & development;f. Forest recreation & ecotourism;g. Environmental Services; andh. Extension & Environmental Education Programme.

A total of 19 projects (Table 16.4) involving RM 25 million were approved for immediate implementation within the remaining period of the 9th Malaysian Plan i.e. 2009-2010. These include projects on; (1) community forestry; (2) forest recreation & ecotourism; and (3) Research & development: non-forest produce.

No. Project Total (RM)

1. Community Forestry - RM 11,276,000.00

i. Development of facilities to support the Community Forestry activities in Deramakot Forest Reserve. 850,000.00

ii. Restoration of Ulu Kalumpang-Wullersdorf Forest Reserves, Kunak 3,200,000.00

iii. Management, Protection and Restoration of selected Mangrove Forest Reserve within coastal areas of Sabah. 1,000,000.00

iv. Development & Sustainable Management of Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve, Lahad Datu. 3,876,000.00

v. Construction of bridge at Sg.Mantri Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve, Kunak. 300,000.00

vi. Development of Kota Belud District Forestry Offi ce at Ulu Kukut Forest Reserve (Class IV) for a Rest Centre. 1,750,000.00

vii Preparation of Forest Mangement Plan for Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve, Kunak. 300,000.00

2. Forest Recreation & Ecotourism – RM 5,000,000.00

i. Upgrading of recreation facilities at VJR Raffl esia Forest Reserve. 1,400,000.00

ii Development of ecotourism facilities at Deramakot Forest Reserve. 1,000,000.00

iii Ecotourism development at Trus Madi Forest Reserve, FMU10 (Tambunan) 1,000,000.00

iv. Upgrading of recreation facilities at Kebun Cina Forest Reserve (Sandakan Rainforest Park). 500,000.00

v. Upgrading of ecotourism facilities at Bukit Gemok Nature Centre, Tawau. 500,000.00

vi. Upgrading of ecotourism facilities at Klias Forest Reserve & Bukau Api-Api Forest Reserve, Beaufort. 600,000.00

3. R & D - Non Forest Produce – RM 8,724,000.00

i. Research & Development (R & D) for Ramsar Wetlands - Lower Kinabatangan-Segama 1,824,000.00

ii. R & D at Tabin Wildlife Researve. 1,000,000.00

iii. Rainforest Discovery Centre. 4,000,000.00

iv. Forest Plantation Improvement 1,000,000.00

v. Timber Utilisation & Technological Advancement 100,000.00

vi. Technical Support System 800,000.00

7. Ramsar Wetlands – Lower Kinabatangan-Segama WetlandsThe Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands was successfully listed as the fi rst Ramsar site in Sabah at the 10th Conference of the Ramsar Convention on wetlands held at Changwon, South Korea last 28th Oct, 2008. This site covers 78,803 hectares (ha) of peat and mangrove swamp forests on the east coast of Sabah involving three forest reserves – Trusan Kinabatangan Mangrove Forest Reserve (40,471 ha), Kulamba Wildlife Forest Reserve (20,682 ha) and Kuala Maruap-Kuala Segama Mangrove Forest Reserve (17,650 ha). It is Malaysia’s 6th Ramsar site and signifi cantly larger than the other fi ve Ramsar locations in Malaysia that measure a total of 55,355 ha. The management plan for this site will be formulated with the assistance from JICA under the Borneon Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conservation Programme Phase II (BBEC II) project. The satellite images were obtained to facilitate the planning process and the plan is expected to be ready by end of 2010.

Location of the fi rst Ramsar wetlands in Sabah

Table 16.4: The nineteen (19) projects under the 9th Malaysian Plan


99

Datuk Sam Mannan receiving the Ramsar certifi cate from Datuk Gregory Joitol, the Deputy State Secretary

Tembadaus found in the wetlands

8. Forest Recreation And EcotourismIn 2008, the department collected an amount of RM 67,316.00 from entrance fees and other related administrative charges from all nature centres and forest reserves in Sabah. The breakdown by sources is as per Table 16.5.

Nature Centre/ Ecotourism Sites within Forest Reserve Forestry District Total (RM)1. Mt. Trus Madi Tambunan 12,701.002. Raffl esia Information Centre Tambunan 1,995.003. Madai Baturong Nature Centre, Kunak Kunak 7,191.004. Bukit Gemok Nature Centre, Tawau Tawau 1,674.005. Rumbia Information Centre Beaufort -6. Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre Beaufort 492.007. Padas Damit Forest Reserve Beaufort 10,387.008. Kawang Nature Centre Kota Kinabalu -9. Sepilok Laut Reception Centre Sandakan 6,749.00

10. * Deramakot Forest Reserve Deramakot 5,169.0011. * Rainforest Discovery Centre Sandakan 20,958.00

Total Collection 67,316.00

Table 16.5: Total Collection of Entrance Fees and Other Related Administrative Charges by Nature Centres (Jun – Dec 2008)

Note: * Total collection from Jan - Dec 2008

Ramsar Wetlands

Part of mangrove forest in Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands




Other activities relevant to the development of this sector are as follows:-

i. Monitoring And Cordination Of Ecotourism Related ProposalsIn the reporting year, there was no ecotourism related project application received. In addition to those in Maliau and Danum Valley, other ecotourism related activities currently operated by the private sector within Forest Reserves are as follows:-

a. Trus Madi Forest Reserve by Borneo Jungle Girl (BJG)b. Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve by Borneo Sulaman Cove Sdn. Bhd.c. Tabin Wildlife Reserve by Tabin Wildlife Holidays

ii. Projects For Upgrading And Improving Facilities Of Nature CentresThe Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment continued supporting the department in the upgrading and improving of the department’s ecotourism facilities. In the reporting year, a total of about RM3.4 million worth of allocations were received for the following projects:-

No. Projects Project Manager Amount Approved Project Duration Allocation in 2008

1. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sandakan Dr. Robert Ong, Sepilok

450,000 1 year 450,000

2. Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre, Beaufort TP(FSP) 3,860,000 3 years 301,145

3. Padas Damit Forest Reserve, Beaufort TP(FSP) 450,000 1 year 450,000

4. Rumbia Information Centre, Kuala Penyu PPA Division 1,000,000 2 years 590,000

5. Kawang Nature Centre, Kota Kinabalu PPA Division 1,300,000 2 years 1,300,000

6. Madai Baturong Nature Centre, Kunak PPA Division 500,000 2 years 320,000

Total 7,560,000 3,411,145

1

6

5

4

2 & 3

Project sites

Legend

Kawang Nature CentreRainforest Discovery

Centre

Madai Baturong Nature Centre

Rumbia Information Centre

Padas Damit Forest Reserve&

Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre

Table 16.6: List of Upgrading and Improving Ecotourism Projects

Location of project sites of the Nature Centres


101

The following upgrading works were conducted or implemented in the six (6) sites:

1. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sandakan

2. Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre, Beaufort

In the reporting year, a consultant was appointed for the implementation of the 2.6 km boardwalk at the Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre involving RM 2.6 million for the following sub-components:-

• 1 unit of Reception Centre• 1 unit of Bird watching/ multipurpose tower• 3 units of small hut• 2 units of big hut• 1 unit of circular hut• Gate

(Left) 2 units of wooden bridges at RDC (above) Maintenance and upgrading of Kingfi sher trail

(Above) Maintenance and upgrading of the RDC’s nature trail (right) Resting hut was built near Bristlehead Tower

Klias Forest Reserve

Project site




3. Padas Damit Forest Reserve, Beaufort

4. Rumbia Information Centre, Kuala Penyu

Platforms B for wildlife observation located nearby the Garama villages

Checking Station at Klias-Garama Checking Station, Padas Damit Forest Reserve was upgraded

Platform A was build for wildlife observation/viewing, at the Klias-Garama Checking Station

Upgrading of toilet facilities

One of the tourism sites for Proboscis Monkeys and fi refl ies observation in Sabah

Upgrading of multipurpose hall at the Rumbia Information Centre, including fl ooring, roofi ng, repainting works and electrical installation

Construction of walkway to the Botod Hut ‘Botod’ (sago worms) hut was built for demonstration

A new toilet was built at Rumbia Information Centre


103

5. Kawang Nature Centre, Kota Kinabalu

A new signboard

(Right) Upgrading 1 of 3 units of rest house at the Kawang Nature Centre

Upgrading of car park Installation of PVC pipes at Kawang Nature Centre

4 mini pools were built for recreation activities A multipurpose platform constructed for recreation activities




6. Madai Baturong Nature Centre, Kunak

Rest house was repaired and fully equipped with furniture Newly refurbished surau at the Madai Baturong Nature Centre

Upgrading of the rest area and canteen at Madai Baturong Information Centre, including re-painting and wiring installation

Installation of railing posts along the pedestrian walkway


105

PROJECT COOPERATION & COLLABORATION DIVISION (SPOC)

This division is mainly focused on (1) managing and coordination of external funded or supported projects such as: the New Forests, LEAP, Sime Darby, WWF-Malaysia and MPOC; (2) Support for SFD’s SFM projects, such as Ulu-Segama Malua Forest Reserves, FMU17A and FMU25; (3) Promoting and facilitating certifi cation; (4) Co-operation for the development of forest eco-products; and (5) Klias Peat Swamp Forest Reserve Conservation Project. The year 2008 offered many opportunities for the State Government to co-operate with various agencies, both local and international on forest restoration and the conservation of wildlife habitat. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Agreements entered in the year 2008 are as follows:-

1. Memorandum Of Understanding Between The State Government Of Sabah & HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad On Implementing A Project In Deramakot Forest Reserve (Giving Orang Utans A Permanent Home In Deramakot Forest Reserve)The year started off with a signing ceremony between the State Government of Sabah, as represented by the Sabah Forestry Department & HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad on the 28th January 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Kota Kinabalu. HSBC, being one of the world’s leading banks, provided a grant amounting to RM200,000 to the department, with the objective to restore 500 ha of degraded areas within Deramakot Forest Reserve (DFR), a prime orang-utan habitat, specifi cally in Compartments #109, #117, #122 & #123. This project covers a period of 24 months, commencing from the date of the signing.

2. MoU Between The State Government Of Sabah & WWf-Malaysia On Forest Restoration At Northern Ulu Segama Of The Ulu Segama Forest Reserve On the 21st May 2008, a one-year MoU was entered into between the State Government of Sabah and WWF-Malaysia at the @mosphere Revolving Restaurant, Menara Tun Mustapha, Kota Kinabalu and witnessed by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah. The objective of this MoU is to restore 55 ha of degraded areas in Compartment #109 of Northern Ulu Segama (NUS) by utilizing a total sum of RM170,000 which was made available by Marks & Spencer of the United Kingdom. A book on Orang-Utans, written by Dr. Junaidi Payne of WWF-Malaysia was also launched on that day.

3. WWF-Malaysia On MFTN Membership And Certifi cation, September 2008In pursuant of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was entered in 2007, to bring Tangkulap-Pinangah Forest

The signatories from left: Mr. Frederick Kugan (witness), Datuk Sam Mannan (main signatory), Ms. Irene Dorner (main signatory) and Madam Elizabeth Wee (witness)

A small exhibition after the signing ceremony, whereby Datuk Sam Mannan briefed Ms. Irene Dorner on forest conservation efforts in Sabah.

The main signatories were Datuk Sam Mannan, Director of Forestry (left) & YM Tengku Dato’ Seri Zainal Adlin, Vice-president Emeritus of WWF-Malaysia (right). The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman.

The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah launched the Orang-Utan book written by Dr. Junaidi Payne, after the signing ceremony.

Datuk Sam Mannan, Director of Forestry (left) & Dato’ Dr. Dionysius S.K.Sharma, CEO of WWF-Malaysia (right) will continue to work together through GFTN-Malaysia to bring US-M under FSC certifi cation within the next 12 months.




Reserve (FMU 17A) under Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)’s certifi cation, the State Government had again entered into a similar MoU with WWF on the 29th September 2008 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan. The new MoU is to bring Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve, an area of about 240,000 under FSC’s certifi cation within one year from the date of signing under the support of the GFTN.

4. Agreement On The Establishment Of The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Bank For Malua Forest Reserve (Malua Biobank)The highlight of the year 2008 was the signing of a 50-year Tripartite Agreement between Rakyat Berjaya Sabah (RBJ), Malua Wildlife Habitat Conservation Bank (MWHCB) as represented by New Forests Asia, and HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee Berhad, as trustee of the Malua Trust, which was witnessed by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman on the 14th August 2008. Through this Agreement, the State Government received an investment of USD10 million from the New Forests with the objective to develop an ecoproduct bank in Malua Forest Reserve (MFR), a commercial business better known as the “Malua Biobank”, with a view to generate sustainable fi nancing for the conservation of MFR. MFR, an area covering 34,000 ha, promised a gross

From left, Mr. Andi Francis Toyong, Senior Group Manager of the Financial Services & Investment Division of RBJ, Datuk Sam Mannan, the Director of Forestry, The Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, and Dr. David Brand, Director of New Forests.

Early birds (From left) 1. Mr. Charlie Vun (Bakalayan Sdn Bhd), 2. Mr. Liew Pin Cheong, 3. Datuk Elbert Lim (Hormat Jadi Sdn Bhd) &4. Mr. Andrew Lim (Maxland Sdn Bhd).

return of about USD34 million by “selling love” for the forest, in the form of Biodiversity Conservation Certifi cates (BCC), at the rate of USD10/m²/BCC within six years. The remaining 44 years will be managed by the Malua Trust. On the day of the ceremony, a total of USD 215,000 worth of BCCs were sold. The fi rst 4 buyers are from Bakalayan Sdn Bhd, Hormat Jadi Sdn. Bhd., Maxland Sdn. Bhd. & Mr. Liew Pin Cheong. The New Forests Asia Offi ce in Kota Kinabalu was also offi cially launched by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah after the signing ceremony.

5. MoU Between Sabah State Government & LEAP Conservancy Sdn. Bhd. On The Establishment Of A Bornean Sun Bear Conservation CentreOn Friday 14th November 2008, the Sabah State Government and LEAP Sdn Bhd hosted a fund raising event named ‘BEAR NECESSITIES’, where government, NGOs, corporate leaders and some of Malaysia’s best-known artistes came together to support the conservation of Bornean Sun Bear, at the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. During the event, the signing ceremony of a 5-year MoU was entered into between the State Government of Sabah, as represented by the Sabah Forestry Department & Sabah Wildlife Department, and LEAP Conservancy Sdn. Bhd., an NGO based in Sabah to establish the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre at Sepilok, Sandakan. On top of that, an impressive RM 1.3 million were raised through the fundraising auction led by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun, Datuk Sam Mannan, Director of Forestry and Mr. Laurentius Ambu, Director of Wildlife Department.

A tripartite MoU was entered into between the State Government & LEAP Conservancy Sdn. Bhd.

Datuk Sam Mannan in a bid to raise funds


107

6. Agreement Between State Government And Sime Darby Plantation On Restoration Of 5,400 ha Of Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve On 4th December 2008The year ended with another big event of the year, i.e. the signing ceremony of the Agreement between the State Government of Sabah and Sime Darby Plantation Sdn. Bhd. (SDPSB), witnessed by the Right Honourable Chief Minister of Sabah, on the 4th December 2008 at the Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu. The objective of this endeavour is to restore about 5,400 ha of degraded forests in Northern Ulu Segama for the conservation of the orangutans’ welfare. SDPSB allocated a grant of RM25 million over a period of 10 years for this purpose.

(Top) Datuk Sam Mannan & Mr. Puvan J. Selvanathan, Group Chief Sustainability Offi cer of SDPSB, exchanged documents and handshakes, (above) followed by the presentation of a cheque to the Sabah Forestry Department.

7. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) CommitteesThis offi ce remained as an active member of the following management committees:i. Greater Deramakot (FMU 17 or Deramakot);ii. Kalabakan-Sapulut FR (FMU 25);iii. Ulu-Segama & Malua FR; andiv. Ulu Kalumpang FR

In support of the above initiatives, this offi ce was tasked on the following areas of work:-i. Development of High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF);ii. Certifi cation Support Programme for FMU 17A with WWF;iii. Carbon Project Initiative For Conservation with BTRF;

iv. Fund raising for conservation project (e.g. HSBC);v. Coordination of international collaboration/ cooperation

with UNESCO;vi. Development of BioD Credits with New Forests; andvii. Development of code of practices/guidelines on forest

management and forest harvesting in Sabah

8. Promoting And Facilitating Certifi cation Throughout the year, the department continued to promote and facilitated various certifi cation activities and processes which include the following:

i. Forest Areas under Certifi cation:Deramakot Forest Reserve (DFR) which was certifi ed under the FSC certifi cation scheme was re-assessed and

successfully renewed for the third 5-year term commencing from 2008-2013. This exercise was conducted by SGS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. which was entrusted by the department to continuously maintain the standard of DFR through an Agreement signed on the 29th October 2008. Besides Deramakot, about 25,000 ha of forest plantation primarily owned by Sabah Softwoods Sdn. Bhd. (SSSB) has been certifi ed under the FSC scheme.

ii. Promoting certifi cation in other forest reservesThe Forestry Department had made it mandatory for all long term SFMLA holders to bring their respective FMUs or licensed areas under certifi cation by year 2014 based on the FSC scheme or any other internationally recognized scheme. Efforts to meet this dateline focus mainly on bringing the forest reserves under Forest Management Planning, and for timber harvesting to be conducted in accordance to Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) guidelines. RIL was also made mandatory for full compliance by 2010 (Map16.1).




Map 16.1 : The progress of forest certifi cation in Sabah

iii. Certifi cation Support ProgramThe certifi cation support program is currently in progress in the following areas:- Tangkulap-Pinangah FR (50,070 ha - FMU 17A)- Ulu-Segama Malua FR (240,000 ha);- Segaliud-Lokan FR (57,240 ha –FMU 19A);- Ulu Kalumpang FR (51,118 ha);

The certifi cation support program for FMU 17A and US-M is being assisted by WWF-Malaysia through the Malaysia Forest Trade Network (MFTN). In the reporting year, baseline assessment was carried out on FMU17A and the FMP was successfully revised for the main assessment for certifi cation in 2009. The assessment and certifi cation of US-M is scheduled for 2009/2010. In addition to the above, Segaliud Lokan (FMU19A), an area under KTS, is being considered for certifi cation under the MTCS scheme.

iv. Forest Certifi cation Policy WorkBesides engaging in preparing forest areas for certifi cation, the department continued its active involvement in various forest certifi cation related works such as:- The MTCC-Hamburg Project;- The development of MTCC’s Forest Plantation;- The National FSC Working Group; and- The WWF’s new generation forest plantation initiative.

9. Forest Eco-products DevelopmentEco-products such as carbon, bio-diversity credits and water resources are the potential new sources of revenue in the forestry sector. In the reporting year, the department received

several propositions from organizations such as Forest Trends and Asia Green Capital whereby workshops & seminars were conducted to learn more about what these eco-products can offer in terms of generating additional revenue to the State. In addition to the above, WWF-Malaysia had also assisted the department in defi ning deforestation & rate of deforestation in Sabah, through the engagement of the Green Edge Consultant. This report was written to determine the readiness of Sabah’s forest for both the CDM /or REDD mechanisms. Winrock international had also provided a report to the department on carbon opportunities in Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve, Kunak, Sabah.

Workshop on Payment for Ecosystems Services by Forest Trends

Tangkulap-Pinangah & Ulu Segama-Malua to be certifi ed in 2010

Certifi ed under FSC - SSSB & Deramakot

All SFMLA - to be certifi ed by 2014


109

INTERNATIONAL FORESTRY & CORPORATE AFFAIRS DIVISION

The international agenda handled by this division in 2008 mainly focused on (1) regional collaboration and cooperation such as; Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiatives, EU-Malaysia Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU-FLEGT), SOSEK-MALINDO and BIMP-EAGA; (2) corporate affairs in terms of visitors and research application; and (3) coordinate International Conventions, Forum and Council. This division was also entrusted to manage the Project On The Management And Conservation Of Mangrove Forests In Sabah.

1. Fostering Regional Cooperation And Collaboration

• Heart Of Borneo (HoB) InitiativesHeart of Borneo (HoB) is one of the key regional initiatives that is being actively pursued by the Sabah Forestry Department. The HoB Declaration was signed by the three participating Countries i.e. Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, in Bali, Indonesia on the 12th February 2007. The Declaration calls upon the participating Countries to prepare respective “Project Documents”, incorporating strategic and operational plans, which will be the basis for the development of the road maps towards realizing the vision of the HoB Initiative. The Government of Malaysia has taken serious efforts on this initiative whereby a National Expert Group was established to coordinate actions, particularly in the formulation of the Project Documents (PD) for the two participating states i.e. Sabah and Sarawak. As for Sabah’s component, the Project Document (PD) or Project Implementation Framework (PIF) was completed with the assistance from WWF-Malaysia. The department kick started the implementation of the HoB initiative by submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) funding under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (RMKe-9) Mid Term Review. An amount of RM5 million was approved to the department to implement the HoB activities for the remaining period of the RM9 (2008-2010).

• Malaysia - European Union-Forest Law Enforcement, Governance And Trade (EU-FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA)The Department had actively participated in meetings that are related to the Malaysian - European Union FLEGT-VPA initiative as per listed in Table 16.7 below. Under the Working Group II on capacity building of this initiative, the Sabah Forestry Department had submitted four (4) project proposals for EU support in 2007. The Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands and Federal Republic of Germany had agreed to support the SFMLA auditing project. Besides participation in the above mentioned meetings, the department had also conducted a briefi ng on the FLEGT-VPA involving relevant government agencies in Sabah on the 25th August 2008 at the Kota Kinabalu Forestry District Offi ce.

No. Meeting Title Date

1. European Union FLEGT-VPA Working Group II Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 14 Feb 2008

2. 6th EU-Malaysia FLEGT-VPA National Steering Committee Meeting, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities 15 Feb 2008

3. 4th Multi-stakeholder Consultation on FLEGT-VPA Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 17-18 March 2008

4. Briefi ng on Market Study and Implications of FLEGT-VPA, Kota Kinabalu 3 April 2008

5. Preparatory Meeting for the FLEGT-VPA Technical Working Group Meeting 8 April 2008

6. Follow-up Meeting on the Technical Working Group Meeting 6 May 2008

7. 7th EU-Malaysia FLEGT-VPA National Steering Committee Meeting, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities 26 June 2008

8. 5th Technical Working Group FLEGT-VPA Meeting, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities 1-2 July 2008

9. Discussion with the EC Representative regarding the FLEGT-VPA, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities 17 July 2008

10. Working Group Meeting to Discuss on FLEGT-VPA Laws Text 31 July 2008

11. 8th EU-Malaysia FLEGT-VPA National Steering Committee Meeting 31 July 2008

12. 5th Stakeholder Consultation on FLEGT-VPA Meeting, Kuala Lumpur 11-12 Aug 2008

13. Meetings among Malaysian implementing agencies to look at the TLAS comments by EU based on EU TLAS comments/ matrix in preparation for the 8th EU-Malaysia WG meeting

end of Nov 2008

14. 7th Technical Working Group (TWG) Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade - Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) Meeting

-

Table 16.7: Meetings that are related to the FLEGT-VPA negotiation in 2008 participated by Sabah Forestry Department

Boundary of Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiatives




In relation to the EU-Malaysia FLEGT, H.E Vincent Piket, the Ambassador, Head of European Commission Delegation to Malaysia visited the Sabah Forestry Department on the 25th November, 2008. He was accompanied by Mr. Vincent Van-Den-Berk of the EC Delegation. The objective of the visit is to meet up with various stakeholders in Sabah with regards to the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT-VPA) implementation.

Datuk Sam Mannan welcoming H.E. Vincent Piket, the Ambassador of the European Union upon arrival at the SFD Headquarters

H.E. Vincent Piket receiving a souvenir from Datuk Sam Mannan

Accompanying H.E Vincent Piket was Mr. Vincent Van-Den-Berk of the EC Delegation

Besides that, there was also the visit by Ms. Jade Saunders from the European Forestry Institute (EFI) on 17th December 2008 pertaining to the Product Visibility Campaign to Promote FLEGT-VPA Licensed Timber in the European Union.

2. Research Applications In Forest ReservesUntil the end of December 2008, a total of 131 researchers from various agencies, both local and international, had applied to conduct their research in forest reserves. Out of this number, 39% or 50 applicants had completed their research while 81 are still in progress. These include 75 researchers registered in the year 2008. Most of them are from institutions abroad such as Britain, Italy, United States, Germany, France, China, Japan and the Philippines as per Table16.8. Danum Valley still ranked at the top spot as the most favoured site for research work by foreign researchers, followed by Klias Peat Swamp Forest with 10 applicants, mainly from local institutions such as University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

No. ResearcherLocal/

InternationalProject Address Location

1 Prof. John Pyle British

(OP3-Danum-08) – Regional & Global Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling; Forest & Coastal Measurement of Halocarbons

Cambridge University

Danum valley

2 Andrew D. Robinson British

3 Paul J. Young British

4 Louis O'Brien British

5 Rachel Pike British

6 Neil Harris British

7 Bryan Gostlow British

8 Dr. Maria Russo Italian

9 Chris G. Collier British

“(OP3-Danum-08) – Oxidant & Particle Photochemical Process Above a South-East Asia Tropical Rainforest”

University of Salford

10 Fay Davies British

11 James Whitehead British

12 James Allan British

13 Scott Martin US

14 Jennifer Muller German

15 Qi Chen Chinese

Table 16.8: List of researchers registered in 2008 to conduct studies in Forest Reserves


111



16. David Oram British

“(OP3-Danum-08) – Atmospheric Photochemistry of a South-East Asian Tropical Rain Forest"

University of East Anglia

Danum Valley

17. Graham Mills British

18. David Stewart British

19. Brian Brandy British

20. Stephen Humphrey British

21. Hannah Newton British

22. Claire Reeves British

23. James Hopkins British

"Oxidant and Particle Photochemical Processes Above a South-East Asian Tropical Rain Forest"

University of York

24. Alistair Lewis British

25. James Lee British

26. Sarah Moller British

27. Simon Malpass British

28. Charlotte Jones British

29. Jacquiline Hamilton British

30. Dr. Thomas Schmitt German Chemical Communication in Social Insect University of Freiburg

31. Clotilde Luquiau French Ecotourism and development in a Rural Area: The Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, Sabah, Malaysia

Lower Kinabatangan

32. Andrew Wilson USA Phylogeny Taxonomy and Ecology of Calostoma (Boletales, Basidiomycetes)

33. Ellie Lindsay British Enhancing Biodiversity Within Biofuel Crops; Economic Impact on Users and Best Practice

Danum Valley34. Jennifer Lucey British * Assessing Ant Biodiversity I Tropical Agricultural Landscape,

and Determining Viability of Forest RemnantsDurham University

35. Hemanath Swarna Nantha Malaysian The Economic of Conserving the Orang Utans in Sabah University of Queensland

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

36. Andreas Wilting German Consequences of Different Forest Managament Strategies for Fields and Viverrids in Sabah and their Phylogeography and Ancestry in the Sunda Shelf

Leibniz Inst. For Zoo & Wildlife Research (IZW)

Deramakot FR

37. Abd Hamid Bin Muhamad Ali

Local * Growth Performance of Neolamarckia cadamba from Difference Seed Sources at Sabah Softwood Berhad, Brumas, Tawau, Sabah

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Sabah Softwood Sdn Bhd, Brumas

38. Timothy Cockerill British Assessing the Importance of Rainforest Fragments and Theif Associated Arthropod Biodiversity to Oil Palm Plantations

University of Cambridge

Danum Valley

39. Nestor Talamayan Baguinon

Filipino Collaborative Studies in Tropical Asian Dendrochronology: Addressing Challenges in Climatology and Forest Ecology

University of the Philipine, Los Banos (UPLB)

Danum Valley, Maliau Basin, Mt. TrusMadi, Crocker Range, Klias Peninsular, Mt. Kinabalu

40. Mckreddy B. Yaban Local * Species Diversity of Birds at Maliau Basin Conservation Area

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Maliau Basin

41. Prof. Madya Dr. Mustapha Local

* Research in Mt. Trus Madi FR

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Trus Madi

42. Dency Flenny Local

43. Isa B Sait Local

44. Wahap Marni Local

45. Nor Salmizar Local

46. Mohd Fizl Sidq Local

47. Prof. Dr. Jumaat Hj Adam Local Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia

....continued






48. Andreas Floren German * Diversity of Canopy Arthropods in Tropical RainForest: Extent and Importance for Ecosystem Functioning

Theodor-Boveri-Institut, Biozentrum

Mt. Kinabalu

49. Rachel Anne Munds American Population Density Survey of the Western Tarsie (Tarsius Bancanus Borneanus) and Bornean Slow Loris (Nycticebus Trapping Methods for N.Menagensis)

Oxford Brookes University

Lower Kinabatangan

50. Dr. Georgianne Griffi ths British * Above-Canopy Insect Diversity and Dispersal in a Dipterocarp Rainforest

University of Reading

Danum Valley

51. Kazuki Miyamoto Japanese The Restoration of Health Forest in Sabah: Evaluation of the Ability of Vegetation Recovery After Human Disturbance in Fragile Tropical Forest on Nutrient-Poor Soils

Kerangas

52. Thomas E. Martin American *Understanding a Major Global Divergence in Tropical Bird Life History Strategies

University of Montana, Missoula, MT USA Mount Kinabalu

53. Catherine Bush British *Phylogeny, Taxonomy and Biogeography of Gaulteria and Diplycosia (Ericaceae)

54. Prof. Madya Dr. How Siew Eng

Local

* Research and Collecting Sample of Soil and Herbal Plants in Klias FR

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Klias FR

55. Prof. Madya Dr. Jualang Azlan Gansau

Local

56. Khoo Yau Liang Local

57. Wong Siak Chung Local

58. Ch'ng Ai Ying Local

59. Sufeera Rahmad Local

60. Natasha Hussin Local

61. Goh Hian Chui Local

62. Norhanizah Rosli Local

63. Ling Kai Ling Local Diversity of Manthis (Insecta: Mantodea) in Sabah Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Keruak FR and Gomantong (Ulu Kinabatangan)

64. Rachel E. Hamilton British *Stable Isotopic Variation and Water Quality Dynamics Across a Lowland Tropical Catchment: The Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia

Kinabatangan River

65. Jochen Drescher German

*Research on Ants at Sepilok Laut Reception Centre and Sepilok FR

Wurzburg University

Sepilok Laut Reception Center and Sepilok FR

66. Jana Buehler German

67. Chan Fei Ting Local *"Taburan Spesis Begonia di Kawasan Balung dan Gua Gomantong"


Balung and Gomantong Cave

68. Ling Chei Ming Local *"Inventori Begonia di Kawasan Balung dan Gua Gomantong Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Balung and Gomantong Cave

69. Dr. Bakhtiar Yahya Local *Research and Collecting Insects Specimens in Kalabakan FR


Kalabakan FR

70. Dr. Bakhtiar Yahya Local

Relationships Between Ant and Habitat Elevation in TrusMadi Sabah


Trus Madi71. Prof. Datin Dr. Maryati

MohamedLocal

72. Dr. Mahadimenakbar Mohd.

Local

73. Dr. Bakhtiar Yahya Local

The Use of Ant Functional Group in Environmental Quality Assesment


Kalabakan FR, Sg. Serudong FR, Tawau FR

74. Prof. Datin Dr. Maryati Mohamed

Local

75. Dr. Mahadimenakbar Mohd.

Local

Note: * Completed project/research

....continued


113

3. International Conventions, Forum And CouncilInternational related meetings attended by this division during the reporting year are as follows:-

• 11th Meeting Asean Senior Offi cials On Forestry (ASOF)The 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Offi cials on Forestry (ASOF) was held on 31st July - 1st of August 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and was attended by Hj. Mohd Salleh Hj. Abbas. The meeting was chaired by YBhg. Datuk Suboh Bin Mohd Yassin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Important forestry-related issues

were raised in the meeting such as the ASEAN Cooperation on Transboundary Haze Pollution, the ASEAN Social Forestry Network (ASFN), and Sustainable Forest Management in ASEAN. The meeting also recalled the decision of the 10th ASOF Meeting to include action on the development of a regional reference framework on phased-approach to forest certifi cation by 2015 as part of the AEC Blueprint. The 12th Meeting of ASOF will be held in Myanmar for which the arrangement will be announced at the Special SOM-29th AMAF Meeting.

No. Convention/ Forum/ Council Event

1. SOSEK-MALINDO 1. Meeting to Discuss on Feasibility Study on Development of Sabah- East Kalimantan Boundary Area (Pos Lintas Batas Darat Serudong, Sabah dan Simanggaris Kaltim) Term of Reference (TOR) draft.

2. 13th JKK/KK Sabah State/East Kalimantan District Level Sosek Malindo Conference, Beverly Hotel, Kota Kinabalu on 14th - 15th August 2008

3. Sabah State Level Tim Teknik Pencegahan Penyeludupan Meeting, Wisma Kastam Tawau, 5th November 2008

2. Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines- East Group Growth Area(BIMP-EAGA)

1. Regional Technical Assistance on Strengthening Sound Environmental Management in the BIMP-EAGA- Inception Meeting, Manila Philippines, 17th-18th April 2008

2. Mid-Term Review Meeting of the Roadmap to Development, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 15th-16th May 2008

3. Pre-Council Meeting for Preparation to the 6th BIMP-EAGA Natural Resources Development Cluster Meeting, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 3rd June 2008

4. The 6th BIMP-EAGA Natural Resources Development Cluster Meeting, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia,10th-11th June 2008

5. Consolidation Meeting of the Mid-Term Review to the Roadmap to Development and Strategic Planning Meeting, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 8th-10th October 2008

3. International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO)

1. Meeting to Discuss ITTO/IUCN Guidelines on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Tropical Timber Producing Forests Draft, Putrajaya, 31st January 2008

4. United Nations Framework Conservation on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

1. Meeting to Discuss ‘Malaysia Strategic Directions and Way Forward in Sustainable Forest Management: Climate Change Scenario’ Concept Paper and ‘Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Nations’ Issue, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 14th May 2008.

2. Forestry Subsector Working Committee under the National Communication-2 Working Group Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaption Meeting, 5th December 2008.

5. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Technical Working Group Meeting for National Capacity Needs Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) Bil. 1/2008, Putrajaya, 6th March 2008

2. Country Capacity Building Action Plan Planning Workshop for Environment Management under the NRE-UNDP-GEF National Capacity Needs Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) Project, Putrajaya, 14th-15th April 2008

Other international related events attended by the department are as in the following table below:

The Malaysian delegation to the 11th ASOF Meeting The department was represented by Tn. Hj. Mohd Salleh Hj. Abbas, third from the right.




4. International VisitorsNotable international visitor(s) to the Department for the reporting year are as follows:

No. International Visitors Month Purpose of Visit

1. Dr. Motoe Miyamoto, Senior Researcher of Department of Forest Policy and Economics, Forestry & Forest Products Research Institute of Japan

January Offi cial meeting with the Director and Head of Divisions of Sabah Forestry Department.

2. Excellency, H.E. Mr. James Keith, Ambassador of the United States of America

February Offi cial visit to Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC).

3. H.E. Masahiko Horie, Ambassador of Japan April Offi cial meeting with the Director of Sabah Forestry Department.

4. Mr. Richard Maude, Deputy High Commissioner Australia April Offi cial meeting with the Sabah Forestry offi cials on recent activities in regards to forest protection and development at Sabah Forestry Department Headquarters.

5. Mr. Lutz Kulenkampff, Consultant to the Vietnamese – German Forestry Programme

June Study visit to the Deramakot Forest Reserve and, processing industries in Kota Kinabalu.

6. Bungay School and Wallingford School from United Kingdom

August Visit and climb at Mount Trusmadi on educational and adventure treks in the hope of seeing fi rst hand the unique beauty of Sabah.

7. Ms. Alice R. Chu, Environmental, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) Economic Offi cer of U.S. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur

August Offi cial meeting with Sabah Forestry Offi cials on the implementation of HoB initiatives and wildlife conservation efforts.

8. Mr. Bill Wiggin, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries for United Kingdom

September Offi cial visit to the Sabah Forestry Department Headquarters.

9. Excellency, H.E. Mr. Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy.

October Offi cial visit to Ulu Segama-Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project and Danum Valley Conservation area.

10. Chairpersons of WWF – Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, International, Japan, Malaysia

October Offi cial visit to Danum Valley in relation to Heart of Borneo and Coral Triangle Initiatives.

11. Mr. Tim Validasi, British Royal Air Force Offi cers November Offi cial visit to Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok.

12. Excellency, H.E. Mr. Vincent Piket, Ambassador of the European Union and Mr. Vincent Van-Den-Berk, European Union-Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU-FLEGT) representative.

November Offi cial meeting with the Director of Sabah Forestry Department.

13. Mr. Brent McClendon, Executive Vice President of International Word Products Association (IWPA)

December Offi cial meeting with the Sabah Forestry Department.

14. Prince of Wales Rainforest Project Team led by Mr. Simon Rietbergen, Senior Project Manager, and Mr. Andrew Bond, Director of South East Asia Task Force

December Offi cial meeting with the Sabah Forestry Department on opportunities to work in Sabah and biodiversity credit deals with the NewForests.

15. Mr. Peter Buri, Deputy Regional Director South East Asia, Country Management Thailand, Malaysia for GTZ Malaysia

December Offi cial meeting with the Sabah Forestry Department on actual and possible future cooperation between SFD and GTZ.

16. Mr. Steve Butler of The West Australian and Ms. Melissa Kent of The Sunday Edge newspapers, Journalist of the Australia Media

December To visit and write a journal about the nature of Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Visit by the H.E. Masahiko Horie, Ambassador of Japan Visit by Mr. Richard Maude, Deputy High Commisioner of Australia


115

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS

No. Events Date Venue

1. The DYMM Agong and Raja Permaisuri Visit to Sandakan 22 – 23 Jan Sandakan, Sabah

2. The Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between The State Government Of Sabah & HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad On Implementing A Project In Deramakot Forest Reserve (Giving Orang Utans A Permanent Home In Deramakot Forest Reserve)

28 Jan Hyatt Regency Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

3. SFD’s Exhibition Booth - The Launching of Sabah Development Corridor 29 Jan Sepanggar Bay, Kota Kinabalu

4. The Signing Ceremony of The MoU Between The State Government Of Sabah & WWF-Malaysia On Forest Restoration At Northern Ulu Segama Of The Ulu Segama Forest Reserve

21 May @mosphere Revolving Restaurant, Menara Tun Mustapha, Kota Kinabalu

5. Y.A.B. Prime Minister and YBhg. Datin Jeanne Abdullah visit to Rainforest Discovery Centrein Preparation of the Malaysian Rainforest Flora & Fauna Festival 2010

1 June Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan

6. The Signing Ceremony of the Agreement on The Establishment of The Wildlife Habitat Conservation Bank For Malua Forest Reserve (Malua Biobank)

14 Aug Pacifi c Sutera Habour, Kota Kinabalu

7. The Signing Ceremony by WWF-Malaysia on MFTN Membership And Certifi cation For Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve of 240,000 (FMU 17A)

29 Sept Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan

8. 15th Malaysian Forestry Conference: “Addressing Global Demands and Expectation in Forestry” 20 - 24 Oct Hilton Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak

9. Malaysian EE-Conference 17 - 22 Nov Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan

10. The Launching of ZOOM Malaysia, Rainforest Discovery Centre 29 Nov Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan

11. The Signing Ceremony of the Agreement between the State Government of Sabah and Sime Darby Plantation Sdn. Bhd.

4 Dec Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

In 2008, this offi ce had also acted as the Secretariat for major events as follows:-

(Left and right) Visit by Mr. Bill Wiggin, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries of United Kingdom

(Left and right) Visit by Mr. Peter Buri, Deputy Regional Director South East Asia, Country Management Thailand, Malaysia for GTZ Malaysia




SPECIAL EVENT

15th Malaysian Forestry Conference: “Addressing Global Demands And Expectations In Forestry”, Hilton Kuching, Sarawak, 20th - 24th October 2008

The 15th Malaysian Forestry Conference was hosted by the Sarawak Forest Department

and Sarawak Forestry Corporation which was held in Kuching, Sarawak from 20th to 24th October 2008 and was attended by 360 participants from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The theme for the conference was ‘Addressing Global Demands and Expectations in Forestry’ and highlighted six (6) sub themes namely:- 1. global changes and forestry; 2. sustainable forest management; 3. deforestation and forest degradation 4. environmental services 5. forest plantation; and 6. forest product industry and trade, which platform was provided for offi cers from the three regions to exchange their views, information and experiences in matters pertaining to administration, management, planning and development of forestry in the country. The opening of the 15th Malaysian Forestry Conference was offi ciated by Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd. Naroden Bin Majais, Assistant Minister of Planning and Resource Management Sarawak representing Y.A.B. Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak. The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) had sent a total of sixty four (64) offi cials and seventeen (17) members of the cultural dance troupe represented by Sari Tari Sandakan for opening and closing dinners’ performance. The conference had received a total of thirty fi ve (35) working papers from the three respective regional states i.e. Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Out of this number, nine (9) working papers were presented by the Sabah Forestry Department’s offi cials as shown in Table 1.

Launching of the 15th Malaysian Forestry Conference

Presentation of souvenir by Datu Hj. Len Talif Salleh to Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd Naroden Bin Majais (third from right)

No. Sub-Themes Titles

1. Global Changes and Forestry International Arrangements On Forests – Their Implication On Forestry In Sabah by Mr. Frederick Kugan

2.Sustainable Forest Management

The Sabah Forestry Department Experience From Deramakot Forest Reserve: Best Management Practices Through Forest Certifi cation by Mr. Samit Hj Abd Sani

Social Forestry As A Key Approach In Improving the Livelihood Of Local Communities: Emerging Lessons From The Sabah Forestry Department – Kg. Ponopuan Community Collaboration In Kelawat Forest Reserve by Mr. Jefl us Sinajin

3.Deforestation and Forest Degradation

Ulu Segama Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project - An Approach of Wildlife Habitat Rehabilitation in Sabah by Mr. Indra P. Sunjoto

Conceptual Designs for Restoration of Degraded High Conservation Vale Habitat-Type in Sabah by Dr. Reuben Nilus

4. Environmental ServicesCommunity Based Ecotourism in Sabah: Situation Analysis of the MESCOT Initiative by Mr. Hj. Hussin Tukiman

Developing The Conservation Area Management Plan (Camp) For Fmu 10: Lessons Learned by Mr. Rahim Sulaiman

5. Forest Plantation Breeding Of Laran And Binuang In Sabah: A Bold Initiative by Ms. Maria Ajik

6. Forest Product Industry and Trade

Timber Trade and Industries: The Outline for Sabah in meeting Global Challenges by Mr. Andurus Abi

Table 1: List of working papers were presented in the conference


117

Beside that, Sabah Forestry Department had submitted fi ve (5) information papers and displayed seven (7) posters throughout the conference such in Table 2 and Table 3.

No. Titles

1. Timber Yield From Second Entry Logging In The Lowland Mixed Dipterocarp Forest Of Deramakot, Sabah

2. The Contribution Of The Rainforest Discovery Centre In Promoting Environmental Education In Sabah

3. Current Research On Insect Pests And Diseases To Meet The Forestry Demand And Expectation In Sabah

4. Ethnobotany Researrch in Sabah, Malaysia: A Present Status

5. Genetics In Forestry

No. Titles

1. Insect Diversity In Enhancing Nature Tourism, With Reference To Tabin Wildlife Reserve In Sabah

2. Isolation Of Endophytes From Two Malaysian Raffl esia Species

3. Growth Performance Of Some Timber Species In Sabah

4. The Impacts Of Microclimatic Conditions On Mangrove Phenology In Sabah

5. The Current Research Activities On Plant Documentation Towards Plant Diversity Conservation In Sabah

6. Estimation Of Carbon Stocks At Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah

7. Some Common Medicinal Ferns & Fern Allies Used By Indigenous Communities In Sabah

Table 2: List of information papers submitted by the Sabah Forestry Department’s offi cials

Table 3: List of posters displayed in the conference

Conference SessionsThe conference had conducted six (6) sessions according to the six (6) sub-themes that have been mentioned earlier. The keynote address for the opening conference: ‘Addressing Global Demands and Expectation in Forestry’ was presented by YBhg. Datuk Dr. Freezaillah Bin Che Yom, Chairman of Malaysian Timber Certifi cation Council (MTCC).

• Session One Session One featured global issues and forestry and was chaired by Mr. Rahim Sulaiman, Deputy Director (Management) of Sabah Forestry Department. Relevant to this subject matter, key personalities from various local organizations were invited to present their perspective on the global issues and forestry in Malaysia. The conference heard the presentation from:1. Ms. Ivy Wong Abdullah of WWF-Malaysia, on the policy

approaches and incentives in tackling climate change for the forestry sector in Malaysia tropics;

2. Mr. Wilfred S. Landong of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), on the impact of a fl at world on the totally protected areas of Sarawak;

3. Dr. Mohd. Yunus Zakaria of Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department (JPSM), on the international agreements and its effect to the future of Malaysian forestry;

4. Mr. Frederick Kugan of Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), on the international arrangements on forests – their implication on Forestry in Sabah; and

5. Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman of JPSM, on the overview of the spillover effect from the reduction emission commitment of the Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol – do we gain anything?

• Session TwoSession Two which was focused on sustainable forest management was chaired by Tuan Haji Nik Mohd. Shah bin Nik Mustafa, Director of Forest Management of JPSM. Follow-up presentations in this session were: 1. The effectiveness of MC&I implementation to ensure the

attainment of the overall objective of SFM – experiences

gained in Peninsular Malaysia by Ms. Chin Y.M. of JPSM; 2. The Sabah Forestry Department experience from

Deramakot Forest Reserve: best management practices through forest certifi cation by Mr. Samit Hj. Abd. Sani of SFD;

3. The future of timber stocking from the second growth inland forest of Peninsular Malaysia by Dr. Hizamri Yasin of JPSM;

4. Promotion of community participant in SFM: experience at Selaan-Linau and Anap-Muput FMUs by Dr. Henry Chan of SFC;

5. Social forestry as a key approach in improving the livelihood of local communities: emerging lessons from the Sabah Forestry Department – Kg. Ponopuan community collaboration in Kelawat Forest Reserve by Jefl us Senajin of SFD;

6. Management of the South-East Pahang Peat Swamp Forest – an integrated approach by Che Hashim Hassan of JPSM; and

7. Trends of Location Based Services (LBS) application in forestry and logging management by Mohammed M. Al-Habshi of University of Putra Malaysia (UPM).

• Session ThreeSession Three, which was chaired by the Tuan Haji Sapuan bin Haji Ahmad, Sr. Asst. Director (International Affairs) of Forest Department of Sarawak (FDS), covers on deforestation and forest degradation. The presentations in this session are 1. The issues implementation of Reducing Emissions from

Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD): Malaysia’s View by Dr. Mohd. Yunus Zakaria of JPSM;

2. Keberkesanan undang-undang perhutanan sedia ada dalam menangani pembalakan haram by Mr. Yusoff Muda of JPSM;

3. Some mitigation measures to combat forest offences and illegal logging: the Sabah experiences by Mr. Walter Lintangah of University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS);

4. The contribution of a structural and integrated approach in the coastal rehabilitation programme in the shoreline protection and conservation in the country: an account of FDPM experiences by Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman of JPSM;




5. An overview in restoration of degraded high conservation value habitat-type in Sabah by Dr. Reuben Nilus SFD; and

6. Ulu Segama Malua sustainable forest management project – an approach of wildlife habitat rehabilitation in Sabah by Mr. Indra P. Sunjoto of SFD.

• Session FourThe focal point in Session Four on the environmental (forest ecosystem) services was chaired by Mr. Koh Hock Lye, Director of Silviculture and Forest Protection of JPSM and the presenters are:1. Mr. Wilfred S. Landong of SFC on making ecotourism

work: a holistic approach towards integrating product development and marketing Sarawak’s TPAs and totally protected areas under threats;

2. Tn. Hj. Hussin Tukiman of SFD on community based ecotourism in Sabah: situation analysis of the MESCOT initiative;

3. Ms. Poh Lye Yong of JPSM on economic value of forest for eco-tourism opportunities in Peninsular Malaysia;

4. Mr. Rahim Sulaiman of SFD on developing the conservation area management plan (CAMP) FRO FMU: lessons learned;

5. Mr. Masran Md. Salleh of JPSM on Pengurusan Kawasan Hutan Pemeliharaan Bernilai Tinggi (High Conservation Value Forest) di Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan;

6. Ms. Julia Sang of SFC on IUCN red listed Dipterocarp species on Sarawak: Fact or Fallacy?; and

7. Mr. Joanes Unggang of SPFSB on Biodiversity conservation in the planted forest project Bintulu, Sarawak.

• Session FiveMr. Frederick Kugan, Deputy Director (Forest Sector Planning) of SFD, chaired the fi fth session that focuses on forest plantation. Papers presented in this session are: 1. Forest plantation as an important and sustainable source

for timber production in Malaysia as the country progress towards a developed nation status by Mohd Ridzuwan Endot of JPSM;

2. The development of Aquilaria spp plantations in Malaysia: a review by Mr. Ahmad Fadzil Abdul Majid of JPSM;

3. Breeding of Laran and Benuang in Sabah: a bold initiative by Ms. Maria Ajik of SFD;

4. Production of high quality seedling of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser (Kelampayan) for forest plantation by Ms. Evelyn Jugi of SFC;

5. Application of biotechnology in tree improvement programme of Kelampayan and Sawih for forest plantation development by Dr. Pang Shek Ling of SFC; and research and development in the planted forest project, Bintulu, Sarawak by Dr. Joseph J. Kendawang of SPFSB.

• Session SixThe fi nal session featured on forest product industry and trade was chaired by Mr. Nigel Lim, General Manager (AFSID) of SFC and the conference heard presentations from:1. Mr. Ramli Mat of JPSM on repositioning of wood-based

processing industries to cope with the future increasing demands for wood-based products- an experience in the Johore State;

2. Mr. Andurus Abi of SFD on timber trade and industries: the outline for Sabah in meeting global challenges;

3. Mr. Mohd Radhi Chu Abdullah of JPSM on non timber forest products: utilization of rattan and bamboo resources in Peninsular Malaysia; and

4. Mr. Julaihi Abdullah of SFC on diversity and trade and conservation of Nepenthes in Sarawak.

Conference Resolutions After four (4) days of Conference Sessions, the resolutions adopted in the Conference are geared towards addressing:-

• The increasing global demands and expectations on forestry, and that Malaysia is a party and signatory to numerous international agreements;

• The infl uence of forests on moderating the negative effect of climate change;

• The importance of expediting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) implementation;

• The critical importance of integrating local community involvement in forestry activities;

• The importance of restoring and rehabilitating degraded forests for the maintenance of ecosystem functions and productivity;

• The need to protect totally protected areas, the permanent forest estates or permanent reserved forests and state land forests against illegal activities;

• The increasing demand on forests for recreation and ecotourism activities;

• The importance role of forests in providing environmental services;

• The signifi cance of forest plantations and planted forests for sustaining wood supply and other forest products as well as the need to employ environmentally friendly practices;

• The immense economic potential of biodiversity and biotechnology;

• The importance of maintaining and sustaining international markets for our timber and other forest products especially those from the dipterocarp and other major commercial species; and

• The pressing need to re-position the wood-based processing industries in the face of global concerns for environmental well-being and sustainability of resources.


119

Conference Sessions

(Left) Tn. Hj. Hussin Tukiman and (centre) Mr. Rahim Sulaiman made their presentation in Session 4 on environmental services (right) Datuk Sam Mannan giving some of his opinions on forestry in the conference.

(Left) Mr. Frederick Kugan, Chairman in Session fi ve and speakers seated on the stage for Q&A (right) about 360 participants attended the conference from various organization.

(Left) Participant posing questions to the speakers (centre) Ms. Maria Ajik of SFD during presentation on breeding on laran and binuang in Sabah (right) Mr. Frederick Kugan during chairing the session

(Left) Mr. Frederick Kugan presenting a souvenir to a speaker after the Q&A session.




The 15th Malaysian Forestry Conference offi cial group photo

(Left) Datuk Sam Mannan explaining to YB Tuan Haji Mohd Naroden Bin Majais on Sabah Forestry posters (right) Posing with Sarawak made craft

Conference Side-Events

1. SportsThroughout the conference, sports events such as golf, futsal, bowling and badminton were organized by the Sarawak Forestry Department and were participated by the three regional Forest Departments.

Golf Bowling


121

2. Launching of the Reef Ball Project at Santubong on the 24th October 2008

3. DinnersDuring the conference, the participants were served with a sumptuous welcoming dinner at the Hilton Hotel on the 20th October 2008 and entertaining closing dinner at the Holiday Inn on the 23rd October 2008, both hosted by the State Government of Sarawak. Sari Tari Sandakan, a cultural dance troupe from Sabah Forestry Department had also performed remarkable cultural dances for both dinners.

(Above left) Launching of the reef ball project by Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd Naroden Bin Majais (above) Datu Hj. Len Talif Salleh, Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd Naroden Bin Majais and others were observing (left) the docking process of the reef ball into the sea

(Above) Welcoming dinner at Hilton Hotel Ballroom hosted by the State Government of Sarawak on the 20th October 2008, (above right) cultural dance performed by Sari Tari Sandakan and (right) Traditional Music Group of Sarawak




SPECIAL FEATURES ON PROJECTS

1. Development & Management Of Pin Supu Forest Reserve ProjectThe Pin Supu Forest Reserve covers an area of 4,696 ha, consisting more than 7 different types of lowland forest. It is a Class VI -Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) and is the biggest protected forest reserve in the Lower Kinabatangan. The reserve surrounds the community of Batu Puteh, which consists of 4 separate villages, and is bisected by the Sandakan Lahad Datu Highway. It is also an important site for community based ecotourism activities. Realizing the importance of its conservation status, the Sabah Forestry Department had submitted a project proposal for State government funding under the Ninth Malaysian Plan for the development and management of the forest reserve, for which an allocation of RM 4,570,000.00 was approved.

The objectives of this project are:• To manage the forest reserve in a sustainable manner;• To prepare a Pin Supu Forest Reserve Forest Management

Plan;• To enhance local community participation in conservation

and protection of the forest reserve through the MESCOT/KOPEL initiative;

• To understand the potential of resources within Pin Supu Forest Reserve;

• To restore degraded sites within Pin Supu Forest Reserve through replanting and silviculture treatments.

• To develop suffi cient facilities and infrastructure for the monitoring and protection of the forest reserve.

In the reporting year, a total sum of RM 1.232 million were allocated for this project to implement as shown in Table 16.9.

No. Component Activities

1. Field inventory • Site clearing along the Pin Supu forest reserve boundary.• Boundary survey on encroached area within the forest reserve.

2. Rehabilitation activities • Replanting along the forest reserve boundary of 47,624 meters.• Silviculture treatment of 100 hectare by KOPEL Bhd.• Rehabilitation, including the supply and raising of seedlings and maintenance of planted

seedlings in Pin Supu Forest Reserve by KOPEL Bhd involving 50 ha.

3. Aerial photo • NIL

4. Forest Management Plan (FMP) • Preparation of Pin Supu Forest Reserve Forest Management Plan (FMP).

5. Management Cost • Installation of FD plates• Purchasing of equipment for FD plates installation.• Maintenance/upgrading of ecotourism facilities such as fl oating bridge at Pin Supu

Reception Centre, 1 unit of belian platform at Tungog Rainforest Ecocamp, car park & pavilion, jetty at Pin Supu Reception Centre, 3 units of multipurpose tower and 1unit of bridge & fl oating bridge at Tungog Ecocamp and the construction of concrete road.

• Installation of an electronic weather station at the Kinabatangan Forestry Offi ce.• Purchasing of fi re equipment.• Installation of 800 gallon water tank.• Installation of SESB Substation.

Project site

Table 16.9: List of activities implemented under the project


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Activities in Pin Supu Forest Reserve

Installation of fl oating bridge at Pin Supu Reception Centre, Kinabatangan

Multipurpose Tower was built for bird watching activities and fi re prevention purposes

Seedling planted along the forest reserve boundary FD plates installation

3 units of standard plate were installed at Pin Supu Forest Reserve Survey on the encroached areas within the forest reserve (Boundary stone)

Boundary clearing for planting activities along the forest reserve boundary

Construction of concrete road




Activities in Pin Supu Forest Reserve

Encroached area was surveyed and marked on site

Planted seedling along the forest reserve boundary

Construction of 1 unit of bridge and fl oating bridge at Tungog Ecocamp, Kinabatangan

Stocking and raising of seedlings by KOPEL Bhd. Construction of the multipurpose tower

Restoration activities carried out by KOPEL Bhd.

Jetty made of belian wood was built at the Tungog Rainforest Ecocamp to support the ecotourism activities by KOPEL Bhd.

Boundary clearing activities


125

2. The Klias Peat Swamp Forest (PSF) Conservation ProjectThe Klias Peat Swamp Conservation Project held its 10th and fi nal State Project Steering Committee (SPSC) meeting on the 28th

May, 2008 at Forestry Headquarters in Sandakan. The meeting acknowledged the contributions from the UNDP/GEF project component on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Tropical Peat Swamp Forest and Associated Wetland Ecosystems initiatives. Future planned conservation activities at Klias FR will be accommodated through the 9th Malaysia Plan project component. Noted achievements and activities implemented by each component in the reporting year are as follows:

i. Ninth Malaysia Plan Project Component (Klias Peat Swamp Forest Research & Development Project)Major activities implemented by this component in 2008 are:• Periodic maintenance of main access to the Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre;• Restored 90 hectares of burnt areas adjacent to the Klias Field Centre with mixed tree species, i.e. Pulai (Alstonia spp.),

Geronggang (Cratoxylon spp.), Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), and Kapur paya (Dryobalanops sp.);• Acquisition of planting materials;• Blocking of drainage canal at the northern part of Klias FR to regulate water out-fl ow from the reserve;• Printing of awareness-raising materials;• Maintenance and monitoring of hydrological observation wells;• Monitoring of peat swamp ecological attributes for conservation purposes; and • Continuous engagement of professional and technical assistants to facilitate in the management and implementation of the

project related activities;

(Above) Handing over of the Klias PSF Conservation Plan to the Sabah Forestry Department and (right) The key fi gures at the 10th and Final SPSC

Members of the Klias SPSC




Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre

Planted area

ii. UNDP/GEF (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Tropical Peat Swamp Forest and Associated Wetland Ecosystems) The Project continued to execute activities as prescribed in the Klias Peat Swamp Conservation Plan (KFRCP). • commissioning of ecological monitoring system; • restoration of degraded south-western part of Klias Forest Reserve (FR); • seeking the State Government support for community forestry projects; • implementation of ecological education activities at Tamalang-Along Nature Interpretation Trail;• conducting consultative session on fl ooding issue at Kg. Bukau;• continuation of fi eld testing of the ecological monitoring protocols and awareness-raising activities.

3. Heart Of Borneo (Hob) Project Initiatives Under The 9th Malaysian PlanThe project under the 9th Malaysian Plan is basically based on the PD/PIF that entails three main priorities of the HoB initiative i.e. a. maintenance of forest connectivity through the strengthening of the Protected Area Network; b. establishment of sustainably managed forested corridors connecting these areas; and c. the opportunity for enhanced transboundary co-operation.

Canal Blocking


127

Forest Stratum Map in Telupid Forest Reserves Complex

No. Components Activities

1. Establishment of HoB unit • Recruitment of contract offi cers.• Purchasing, Processing and verifi cation of satellite images.• Development of HoB GIS database system.

2. Inventory of selected Protected Areas and corridors in order to identify the conservation targets.

• Scientifi c expedition in various forest reserves within the HoB.• Social Baseline Survey study.• Preparation of Forest Management/Conservation Plan.

3. Enhancing the monitoring and wildlife management infrastructure within the boundary of HoB.

• Study on identifi cation of wildlife corridor to establish new Protected Areas and connectivity within the HoB.

• Establishment of Mobile Wildlife Protection Unit.• Constructing a network of Field Outposts network in Forest Reserves which are under threat

of illegal activities and poaching.• Establishment of monitoring and wildlife protection committee.• Development and management of wildlife information system and monitoring programme.

In the fi rst year of the HoB implementation, the progress made is as follows:i. Establishment of HoB unitThe HoB unit was established with the recruitment of offi cers to monitor and implement the HoB activities. A total of 3 offi cers were contracted under this initiative to man the unit. The unit’s capacity on the GIS and mapping was also enhanced to accommodate additional data and information from HoB inventories. This includes the followings:

• Purchase of GIS plotter that is set under the development of HoB GIS database system.• Forest Stratifi cation of Telupid Forest Reserves Complex that comprised of six (6) Forest Reserves as shown below.

In the 9th Malaysian Plan, the activities that are being implemented focus on three (3) main components as following:

Forest stratum map of Bidu-Bidu

Forest stratum map of Telupid Forest stratum map of Lipaso Forest stratum map of Bukit Taviu

Forest stratum map of Bukit Kuamas Forest stratum map of Tawai




ii. Inventory on selected Protected Areas and corridors in order to identify the conservation targets.

The department had conducted scientifi c expedition in Telupid Forest Reserves Complex involving 50,025 ha which was lead by the FRC team. This expedition is on going until February 2009 with the view to formulate a Forest Management/ Conservation Plan. Other forest reserves scheduled for scientifi c expedition in the 9th and 10th Malaysian Plans are as per Table 16.10 and Map 16.2.

Government Funding

Forest Reserves

9th Malaysian Plan

• Sook Plan (9,317 ha)• Bukit Hampuan (1,253 ha)• Bidu-Bidu (16,094 ha)• Maligan (9,240 ha)

10th Malaysian Plan

• Imbak Canyon (16,750 ha)• Kalabakan-Serudong (224,488 ha)• Gunung Lumaku – Crocker Range (8,459 ha)• Ulu Kalumpang (51,118 ha)• Ulu Segama Malua (241,098 ha)• Trusmadi (175,897 ha)• Madai Baturong (5,867 ha)

Kalabakan-Serudong

Imbak Canyon

Bidu-Bidu

Telupid

Kompleks

Maligan

Sook Plan

Tenompok

Bukit Hampuan

Ulu Kalumpang

Gunung Lumaku –

Crocker Range

Ulu Segama –

Malua

Trusmadi

Madai Baturong

iii. Enhancing the monitoring and wildlife management infrastructure within the HoB boundaryTo enhance wildlife monitoring, Wildlife Protection Units (WPU) were established in strategic locations within the forest reserves that are prone to poaching activities. This includes the set up and purchases as follows:

• Construction of fi eld outposts at the Botitian Station, Timimbang Forest Reserve (Fig.1);• Two (2) units of Toyota Double Cabin Hilux for wildlife patrols (Fig.2); and • Thirty (30) units of mobile radio to improve communication (Fig.3).• Recruitment of contract staff to facilitate monitoring and control in the fi eld.

Table 16.10: Proposed site for scientifi c expedition in 9th and 10th

Malaysian Plan

Map 16.2: Proposed sites to conduct scientifi c expedition within HoB

Fig.1: Field outpost at the Botitian Station, Timimbang Forest Reserve

Fig.2: HoB’s vehicle, Toyota Double Cabin Hilux

Fig.3: HoB’s mobile radio installed in the patrol vehicle


129

3. Mangrove Forest Management And Conservation Project Under 9th Malaysian PlanThis project is aimed at putting the State’s mangrove forest reserves under sustainable management and conservation. An allocation of RM3 million was allocated for this development under the 9th Malaysian Plan. In the reporting year, a total sum of RM 1,350,000 was allocated for this project to implement the following components and activities:-

No. Component Activities

1. Resource Mapping • Re-Mapping of mangroves reserves boundary & land use• Mangrove inventories and ecology survey• Purchasing of mobile GIS data loggers.

2. Data Management • Development of Mangrove Information System (MIS) Module

3. Planning and implementation of working plan • Coordination meetings

4. The development of a model and working plan for the management of mangroves

• Social Baseline Surveys• Development of Mangrove Management Unit model area• Preparation of FMP for Mangrove Forests

5. Capacity building • Workshop • Training courses • Study tour

Two activities under the project scope were successfully organized in the reporting year; i.e. i. The Launching of the Sabah Mangrove Inventory Team on 14th July 2008; and ii. Study Visit to the Eco-education Center of Matang Swamp Forest, Perak Darul Ridzuan from the 24th – 26th August 2008.

i. Launching of Sabah Mangrove Inventory TeamThe inventory team is an integral part of the Ninth Malaysian Plan Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management and Conservation Project. The launching ceremony was held at the Sungai Imam, Tawau Mangrove Forest Reserve on the 14th July 2008. The ceremony was successfully organized by the Organizing Committee led by Mr. Miskon Simin, DFO of Tawau and was launched by Mr. Frederick Kugan, on behalf of the Director of Forestry.

Tn Hj Mohd Salleh Hj. Abbas, the Project Manager delivering his opening speech

The Mangrove Inventory Team

Mr. Frederick Kugan delivering the inauguration speech




ii. Study Visit to the Eco-education Center of Matang Swamp Forest, Perak Darul RidzuanThe visit to Matang involved a total of 25 offi cials from the Sabah Forestry Department and was led by Mr. Frederick Kugan, Deputy Director (Forest Sector Planning). The objectives of the study tour are:-

a. to learn about the Sustainable Management System of the Matang Swamp Forest; b. to exchange knowledge with Larut Matang District Forestry offi ce on management and utilization of mangrove resources; c. to explore the possible utilization of mangrove resources for revenue generation; and d. to adopt the management concept in Sabah’s mangroves.

The visit included a tour to the charcoal industry and to introduce the participants to the processes of the charcoal production and other mangrove by-products.

Mr. Frederick Kugan looking at the Development Management Plan of the Larut Matang Forestry District, Perak

The participants at the Eco-product Trail Charcoal kilning process

Mr. Frederick Kugan peeling the mangrove tree bark

The only way of fi nding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.– Arthur C. Clarke