FRIM-FDPM collaborate in R&D on remote sensing for REDD+ and climate change

Malaysia (FRIM) and Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia (FDPM) today reaffirmed their committment for two way collaborative efforts and fortify kindred spirits in conducting R&D in the field of forest and environment for the betterment of forestry sector in this country. This was reflected in a meeting attended by thirty senior officers from both institutions led by Dato’ Dr. Abd Latif Mohmod of FRIM and Dato’ Masran Md Salleh from FDPM.

The meeting which was held in FRIM aimed to present four newly awarded research projects secured by FRIM from international donor agencies namely the Forestry and Forest Product Research Institute (FFPRI),  Japan, the Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Forest Management and Rehabilitation (APFNet) based in China, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan and the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO). In the meeting both FRIM and FDPM pledged their commitment to put their efforts together to jointly implement the four projects which focus on REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), biomass estimation, carbon stock assessment  and the climate change issues.

 The four project titles are:

1. Development of Forest Carbon Monitoring Methodologies For REDD+ In Malaysia
2. Forest Cover and Carbon Mapping in the Greater Mekong Subregion and Malaysia
3. Aboveground Biomass and Carbon Stock Mapping and Changes Monitoring in the Forest of Peninsular Malaysia Using L-Band ALOS Palsar and JERS-1
4. Reducing forest degradation and emissions through sustainable forest management (SFM in Peninsular Malaysia

The projects had previously been presented to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) and gained full support from the ministry which consequently advised that the projects’ implementation be monitored closely by the National REDD Committee at NRE. With the involvement of FDPM and strong support by NRE, it is envisaged that the four newly secured international climate change related projects will be successfully implemented for the benefit of the country.

Both Abd Latif and Masran reached a firm decision that FRIM and FDPM should stand as one entity and speak with one voice in addressing international issues which will be heard by the world as compared toworking in isolation. Abd Latif reiterated this in concluding the meeting: “One stand, one voice,1Green Forest Strategy in promoting forestry R&D and ensuring sustainable forest management”.

For more information on the project, please contact Dr Shamsudin Ibrahim, Director of Forestry and Environment at 03-6279 7161 or email shamsudin@frim.gov.my