STIDC PARTICIPATED IN THE CITES CONFERENCE

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1 4 STIDC PARTICIPATED IN THE CITES CONFERENCE Malaysian delegates. Also seen are STIDC Officials, Dayang Nena Abang Bruce (left) and Awang Mentali Awang Mohd. Sulaiman (2nd. right) STIDC participated in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Conference on Wildlife trade to consider the introduction of new rules for high-value fish and timber, in Bangkok. The main objective of the conference was to update the trade rules governing some of the world s most charismatic, exploited and economically valuable wildlife species. The convention is made up of 166 member governments in which Malaysia is one of the members. The conference among others discussed new proposals for improving the conservation and sustainable use of the Ramin (Gonystylus spp.) timber trade. One of the proposals was the listing of Ramin as a higher endangered species effective January 2005 by up-listing it from Appendix III to Appendix II of CITES. Appendix II listing would mean tighter regulations on logging and export of Ramin wood. Under the new listing, CITES Certificate is issued by the official designated Management Authority for the export of Ramin. In Sarawak, it must be obtained from Forest Department and Sarawak Forestry Corporation. A scientific study must be undertaken to ensure that the export of this species does not jeopardise its survival. STIDC will continue to work closely with the related government bodies to ensure that the trading of Ramin comply with the necessary requirements in accordance with the domestic legislation as well as CITES requirements.

2 5 STIDC TOOK PART IN THE 37TH. SESSION OF ITTC PUSAKA Malaysian delegates. Also seen is STIDC Officer, Awang Mentali Awang Mohd. Sulaiman (2nd. right) Once again STIDC manifested its commitment in the global issues on timber production and trade. This time by participating in the 37th. session of the International Topical Timber Council (ITTC) and related Committee Meeting in Yokohama, Japan. Among the important issues raised in the Council were the CITES listing proposals and forest law enforcement in the context of sustainable timber production and trade. On CITES listing proposals, Jan McAlpine (US), ITTC- 37 Chair, stated that members of ITTO in which Malaysia is one of those are required to inform the Council of their CITES listing proposals. The Secretariat informed the Council that no new proposals by members had been made at the 13th. CITES Conference of the parties held in Bangkok recently adding that the relationship between CITES and ITTO Secretariats is improving. The delegates also had a plenary session to hear reports on forest law enforcement in Malaysia and other parts of the world as well as measures to promote the expansion and diversification of international trade of tropical timber. A case study report was presented on forest law enforcement and governance in Malaysia in the context of sustainable forest management. It was reported that a comprehensive legislation had been implemented to control illegal imports of round wood and squared timber from the neighbouring country. In addition, measures such as log tracking systems, increased penalties or fines, incarceration and custom seizures as well as the development of Malaysian Certificate scheme on legality were re-enforced. The report recommended the extension of log tracking systems to other timber products, removal of timber products from barter trade and closure of enforcement gaps that allow illegal imports of wood. The State Government is committed to ITTO s recommendation to limit log production at 9.2 million cubic metres annually from permanent forest estates in tandem with its policy on sustainable forest management. Being the catalyst of the wood-based industry and implementer of the government s policies, STIDC will continue to ensure that the timber trading activities are carried out orderly. The State Government will continue to work closely with the international bodies such as ITTO to curb illegal activities in order to sustain the competitiveness of the wood-based industry in the global markets. PERKASA VOL. 1/2 (January-February) 2005

3 6 SUSTAINING OF MANGROVE ECO-SYST The sustaining of mangrove eco-system bio-diversity of Sematan, Sarawak is the UNDP-GEF Small Grant Project. Located 120 kilometers away from Kuching, it covers 1,735 hectares of mangrove forest. This project constitutes four stakeholders namely the Agriculture Department of Sarawak, Muhandis Industrial Services Sdn. Bhd., Angkatan Zaman Mansang of Sarawak and Trusan Jaya Village Development and Security Committee. Research Manager of Muhandis Industrial Services Sdn. Bhd., Ikhwanuddin Abdullah highlighted the objectives of the project such as to identify the different species of mangrove forest bio-diversity and to create greater awareness among the local communities on the importance of conserving and sustaining the mangrove forest bio-diversity and eco-system. A view of Sematan Mangro Various programmes had been designed such as research and development, conservation, awareness creation, outreach and communication, reforestation and capacity building. Research and development programme emphasises on the effect of harvesting towards the mangrove forest and eco-system. Conservation programme on the other hand aims to encourage the local communities to conserve and sustainably use the mangrove forest. Awareness creation programme covers activities such as familiarisation trips, distribution of publication items and talks. The outreach and communication programme is carried out through the Mangrove Forest Biodiversity Information Board, official website, leaflets, flora-fauna name tag as well as computerised guide and information kiosk.

4 -SYSTEM BIO-DIVERSITY OF SEMATAN 7 PUSAKA Reforestation programme focuses on the setting up of mangrove nurseries and replanting of mangrove trees on bare areas. Capacity building programme aims to build the capacity of the local communities to serve as eco-stewards in the proposed Trusan Jaya Village eco-tourism and business centre. This is to pursue the effort to alleviate poverty among the said communities towards sustainable livelihood and better income generation. Sematan Mangrove Forest Baseline data survey has been successfully carried out to collect the inventory list of birds, fishes, mammals, reptiles, molluscs and mangrove plants of this area. The survey discovered 17 mangrove plant families, 13 common bird species and 21 molluscs in Sematan mangrove forest. It also discovered 30 fish families in Sematan river system. In addition, there are eight species of mammals and 10 species of reptiles commonly found in Sematan mangrove eco-system. The mangrove forest is rich and diverse in terms of resources. Poles used for scaffolding and construction piling are made from Bakau (Rhizophora spp.) stems while charcoal are made from Berus (Bruguiera spp.) wood from the mangroves. It also teems with various forms of marine life and is a breeding place for prawns, fish and crabs thus providing an important source of food. Intertwined tree roots grow densely together, hence stabilising the coastline and protecting it from erosion. STIDC supports the government s policy to conserve the mangrove forest in view of its importance towards our eco-system and biodiversity. PERKASA VOL. 1/2 (January-February) 2005

5 8 DAVID WONG SETS THE MODEL TO TH Inspiration Furniture Sdn. Bhd. (IFSB) is a renowned furniture company belongs to a Sarawakian, David Wong who excels in the vendorship system and becomes the model to the industry players particularly in Sarawak. His success contributes significantly to the overall development of the furniture industry and economy of Sabah, a state where IFSB is located. Having the accreditation of the Forest Stewardship Council it has established a good network with the key players across the globe. In an interview with PERKASA, David who is also the Managing Director of this company disclosed that IFSB was set up in Kota Kinabalu, David showing the finished products to STIDC officer Sabah in 2000 under Weeluk Group of Companies. Its main activity then was exporting sawn-timber to the world markets from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia and gradually embarked into furniture industry. Envisaged a bright future in the wood-based industry of Sabah, he was inspired to set up his company there. In addition, there was a good production team in terms of management and technology know-how. Since its inception IFSB plays a pivotal role in the development of the furniture industry of Sabah and its main focus has always been the garden furniture. At present, it becomes an anchor company to 18 furniture vendors in Kota Kinabalu by providing them with raw materials and technical advisory services. These vendors assemble the furniture components and sell back their finished products to IFSB. This system also helps us to grow together David said. He added that his raw materials are sourced from Sabah and Sarawak. The most commonly used wood species are Keruing (Dipterocarpus), Meranti (Shorea), Selangan batu (Shorea spp) and mixed hard wood. At present he is also promoting Acacia wood for garden furniture. Table made from Acacia Wood IFSB enjoys the pride of being the largest garden furniture exporter in the country with the export volume of 1,000 containers in every six month. Next year, it aims to double its export volume. Towards that end, the company has invested RM25 million for building new factory and machinery on a 25- acre site at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. The