A Practical Guide for HCV Processes
~ Training modules concentrate on assessment, management, and monitoring~
 

21 March 2024, Kuching: Timber industry in Sarawak now has a practical guide for high conservation value (HCV) processes with the recent launch of the HCV Training Modules.

The training modules are produced through the collaboration of WWF-Malaysia, Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), and Sarawak Timber Association (STA), with valuable inputs from forest managers. 

The training modules are tailored for use by forest management units (FMUs), with contents suited to the context of Sarawak. Its goal is to enhance the HCV processes, concentrating on assessment, management, and monitoring. The production took about five years, which included consultation sessions, field testing, and reviews, with the final version completed in 2022. 

The publication was launched during the International Conference on Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests which took place from 6 to 7 March at a leading hotel here. Scan the QR code to download the High Conservation Value Training Modules for free. 

STA held the conference in collaboration with FDS and WWF-Malaysia, and supported by International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), in conjunction with the International Day of Forests that falls on 21 March. Among others, the conference served as a platform for international and national experts, practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to explore the crucial interconnection between forestry and sustainable development towards establishing a comprehensive strategy that is key to conserving the long term vitality of tropical forests.

Esteemed leaders from the timber industry, government body and conservation organisation, STA Chairman Dato’ Henry Lau, FDS Director Datu Haji Hamden Haji Mohammad, and WWF-Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, spoke at the conference, setting the scene on collective action for sustainable forests.  Their speeches underscored the paramount importance of tropical forests in conserving biodiversity, generating economic benefits, and fostering positive social aspects through responsible and sustainable forest management. Recognising the multifaceted contributions of tropical forests, their insights illuminated how collaborative efforts can shape policies and initiatives to simultaneously advance environmental sustainability, economic well-being and social welfare. 

ITTO Executive Director Sheam Satkuru delivered a keynote address titled “Sustainable Tropical Forestry Supply Chains and Investment – A Pathway for A Sustainable Future.”  

The conference had four sessions featuring moderators and speakers who are leaders in their fields of academia and industry who deliberated on Valuing our Forest - Future Directions and Policies; Climate-smart SFM - What Are The Options?; Finance, Market and Branding - Building Opportunities; and  Collaboration and Partnership - Research, Risk and Safeguards.

All speeches and presentations can be found in WWF-Malaysia’s website wwf.org.my
   

Scan this QR code for a free copy of the HCV Training Modules

 

The training modules are tailored for FMUs in Sarawak to use. © Zora Chan / WWF-Malaysia

 

From left: Wahid, Hamden, Lau and SFC Deputy CEO Dr Melvin Terry Gumal placed their palms on the launching gimmick to unveil the joint publication at the conference. © Mohamad Hisyamuddin Nasir / WWF-Malaysia

 

Established in 1972, WWF-Malaysia is part of WWF, the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major goals - forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance. Their mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
 

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