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UPM Organizes International Conference on Sustainable Forest Development


By: Noor Eszereen Juferi
Photo By: Marina Ismail

SERDANG, August 9 – The Faculty of Forestry, University Putra Malaysia (UPM), organized an International Conference on Sustainable Forest Development In View Of Climate Change (SFDCC 2016) wherein issues on development of sustainable forest were discussed by taking into account all factors on climate change in strategy and development plans.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the organization of SFDCC 2016 was timely in view of the many questions asked on the management of forest in a sustainable manner in the future, considering the effects of climate change.

"Climate change has brought about rising temperatures, changes in rainfall regime as well as forest ecology in the long term. Therefore, research on climate change and strategies need to be carried out to ensure a sustainable supply of forest and the function of forest is not affected for the benefit of future generations," he said.

He expressed hope that participants could improve their network of cooperation with one another and work together towards finding solutions whilst designing effective strategies to overcome arising issues.



Meanwhile, SFDCC 2016 Chairman, Prof. Dr. Seca Gandaseca said the conference saw the participation of nearly 200 researchers, scientists and policy makers from various fields of forestry from 17 countries.

"The conference is designed to disseminate the latest research findings relating to the various fields of forestry from hydrology, biodiversity operations, economy, tourism and others by taking into consideration factors on climate change.”

“Issues relating to sustainable forest development is the main essence of discussion," he said.

The conference was organized with the cooperation of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), Asia-Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM), Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) and the Tropical Forestry and Forest Products Institute (INTROP). It was funded by Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC). – UPM.


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