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Photo credit:
Leong Yueh Kwong-MNS |
14-09-2006
Are we really practicing and achieving Sustainable Forest Management (SFM)? Malaysia has a landmass of 32.86 million ha, of which about 54% (19.22 mill ha) is covered with forests. In the last l5 years alone, we have seen natural areas being cleared, making way for development, logging, plantations, oil pipelines, mining, dams and an array of housing plans. Malaysian has lost about 60, 000 species of life forms a year since 2000
In response to the crucial need to address forest related issues in the country, MNS prepared the MNS Forest Policy & Strategic Plan 2002-2010 (.pdf document). In July 2003, the MNS Forest Policy and Strategic Plan was officially launched and presented to various other State and Federal governments, as well as other NGOS. This Plan was prepared in line with MNS’ mission statement to promote study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage, focusing on biological diversity and sustainable development.
The policy statements in this document highlights issues that MNS sees as important to the overall conservation and sustainable management of Malaysian forests. This Policy identifies seven core objectives, through eight guiding principles and seven strategies, identifying fifty actions as priorities for MNS to advocate, participate in or undertake. It is designed to complement existing national policies and legislation in the country, for an integrated management action plan for forests, involving all agencies and for all forest types. It also enables MNS branches and members to better understand the Society’s views and stand on forest conservation and sustainable, allowing them to play a larger role in aiding the Society’s advocacy work..
In addition to this, MNS also prepares Position and Brief papers. The documents reflect on MNS’ stand on issues and guide the Society in dealing with these issues, nationally and internationally.
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