All inland production forests in Peninsular Malaysia are currently being managed under the Selective Management System (SMS). The system allows trees to be removed based on a flexible cutting regime where all trees above a prescribed cutting limit are removed. The determination of the cutting limit takes into consideration the existing growing stock, its increment and mortality, as well as a speci
fied future crop at the end of a 30-year cutting cycle. However, there are concerns that the assumptions for the above factors in the implementation of SMS are not being met consistently and thus affecting the productivity of the residual stands. In addition traditional ground based harvesting logging practices have been reported to be damaging to the residual stand and the surrounding environment. The introduction of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) systems and practices have indeed reduced the logging damage and improved stand conditions. It is thus opportune that further improvements to the current management practices be implemented to further enhance the productivity of the residual stand and reduce forest degradation in terms of total carbon stocks as well as other ecological factors. However, such sustainable forest management practices may incur significant additional costs both to the logging operators as well as the government. The REDD+ mechanism under the UNFCCC currently being discussed, presents an incentive that may encourage implementation of improved management practices to reduce forest degradation. The general objective of this project is to utilize Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) as a mitigation tool in combating climate change. As deforestation rate is stable in Malaysia, the emissions to be accounted for REDD mechanism would probably come from the reduction of forest degradation in Peninsular Malaysia. The specific objective is narrowed down to improve knowledge on reduction of forest degradation and enhance payments for ecosystem services. Assessment of national forest degradation could be done based on identification of drivers and documentation of the forestry data supporting the cause of forest degradation. Guidelines and policy tools could be developed later to monitor and report national forest degradation in the country. Besides, the project will also study the economic aspect of establishing incentives in reducing forest degradation for carbon and ecosystems services. Opportunity cost for implementing the programme will be evaluated for the purpose, and suitable incentives procedures will be recommended for minimizing forest degradation through sustainable forest management practices. In addition, a crucial aim of this project is to build capacity amongst stakeholders and communities on the importance of SFM and climate change mitigation. This could be implemented through awareness programmes such as organizing workshops and meetings for policy makers and forest managers. Information on the project’s findings could be disseminated as well for better understanding of forest degradation in the country through outreach activities (i.e. Please like FRIM-ITTO REDDES Research Group page. Be a member of the group and you are free to share anything regarding the project (Photos, DOCUMENTS, Web Links etc..) with everyone in the group. Click the link below, and be a group member ! https://www.facebook.com/groups/401130420015880/
