Minister: Widen research network to conserve our tropical forest

PARTICIPANTS of International Tropical Forestry Conference 2024 are advised to enhance research networks to make tropical forestry management and conservation in the region successful and sustainable.

Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif said the conference provided a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas and exploring solutions to the challenges facing tropical forests.

“I hope the participants will share their research findings.

“Your presence and participation demonstrate the importance of tropical forest as a valuable resource for sustainability,” he said in his speech while launching the conference in Kota Kinabalu.

He added that researchers could expand their network locally and internationally via such events.

Universiti Sabah Malaysia (UMS) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor emphasised the importance of protecting tropical forests from being converted to other land uses.

Noting that forest conservation was vital for the environment, society and economy, he said the tropics was home to the most significant portion of the world’s forest and diverse types of forest species.

“The actions of humans and the repercussions of climate change are a significant threat to tropical forests and the people who live in them,” Prof Kasim said in his speech.

He added concentrated efforts are needed to find practical solutions to various forest-related issues as part of sustainable forest management.

“I would like to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to those who have been working diligently on tropical forest research,” said Prof Kasim.

A total of 97 participants, including 10 international participants from Indonesia, Thailand, Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Japan took part in the two-day conference.