21 March 2013, Petaling Jaya: World Wide Fund for Nature – Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) today entered into a collaboration to further conserve and ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.

21 March 2013, Petaling Jaya: World Wide Fund for Nature – Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) and Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) today entered into a collaboration to further conserve and ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the two organisations in biodiversity conservation that will encompass data sharing, exchanging of expertise and knowledge resources pertaining to forest conservation, endangered species management, sustainable land use change, protected areas management, freshwater conservation and ecotourism.

“We look forward to learning from FRIM’s expertise in various areas of biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management practices which are FRIM’s forte,” said WWF-Malaysia’s Executive Director/CEO, Dato’ Dr Dionysius Sharma.

FRIM has a long history of more than 100 years as one of the most renowned tropical forest research institutions in Malaysia and the world. WWF-Malaysia has been in operations in Malaysia since 1972.

“As a national office of WWF, the world’s largest independent conservation organisation, we have the capacity to tap into global expertise and experience of our network as we work on the conservation of forest biological diversity, given the present needs and challenges,” said Dr Sharma.

Through the MoU, both organisations will also work on aspects of forest certification, management strategies for High Conservation Value Forests, forest connectivity within the Central Forest Spine, habitat enhancement, wildlife conservation and management, and implementation of Payment for Ecosystem Services programmes, among others.

“Forests play a vital role in the strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. They are important carbon sinks and deforestation is estimated to be responsible for about 18% of current greenhouse gas emissions. Forest biodiversity also has significant economic and ecological value. Therefore, we need to adhere to sustainable use practices and stop its degradation,” Dr Sharma said.

The MoU will also see more staff exchange programmes for knowledge transfer and exchange of ideas, and joint training sessions including the sharing of facilities and resources between WWF-Malaysia and FRIM. There are also plans to build awareness and capacity of the general public who are interested in forest biodiversity management and conservation.

“Forest biodiversity and natural resources are national assets entrusted to our care. We must take this responsibility very seriously to ensure these important resources are managed with wisdom and full knowledge of its importance so that future generations may continue to inherit these assets and benefit from them.

“FRIM works hard to support the national agenda on conservation and sustainable utilisation of forest resources. We are open to working in partnership with other government bodies, non-governmental organisations including private companies who share our commitment towards these goals. And today, we are very pleased to include WWF-Malaysia as our NGO partner in this effort,” said FRIM Director-General, Dato’ Dr Abd Latif Mohmod.

Dr Abd Latif signed the MoU on behalf of FRIM, while Dr Sharma represented WWF-Malaysia.

“It is momentous that the MoU is signed today (21 March), the UN International Day of Forests, and as we prepare to celebrate Earth Hour 2014 on 29 March,” said Dr Sharma.

- Ends -

For further information:
Yeoh Lin Lin, Head of Communications, WWF-Malaysia
Tel: +603-78033772 Email: llyeoh@wwf.org.my

Norhayati Nordin, Corporate Communication Head, FRIM
Tel: +603-62797555 Email: nnorhayati@frim.gov.my

Toh An Nee, Media Officer, FRIM
Tel: +603-62797458 Email: annee@frim.gov.my

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WWF-Malaysia, FRIM Working Together to Conserve Forest Biodiversity