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16Forest Sector PlanningForest Sector PlanningThroughout the year 2006, the Forest Sector Planningdivision was very active in performing matters relevantto forest sector planning, policy and legislation, internationalforestry, regional cooperation and external assistance andproject collaboration. This division was also given an additionalmandate and the responsibility to oversees matters on forestrecreation and ecotourism development within forest reservesin Sabah, beginning the middle of the reporting year.Reservation and De-reservation of Forest ReservesA total of 3,570.67 hectares of State Land forestshave been proposed for classification and gazettement asforest reserves (FR). The proposal involves 6 areas as perTable 16.1 and distributed through out the state as shown inFig.16.1 in 2006.Table 16.1: Forest areas proposed for Classification and Gazettement into Forest Reserves in 2006Proposal Area (ha) Location Proposal ClassGazettement of Botanical Garden as SepilokForest Reserve Class VI (Extension)106. 723 km, LabukRoad, SandakanClass VI (VirginJungle Reserve)Date ofSubmission9 JanuaryRemarksApproved byCabinetGazettement of Sabah Forestry Department,Headquarters area as Forest Reserve Class IV8. 05Km 9, LabukRoad, SandakanClass IV(Amenity)13 JanuaryUnderConsiderationGazettement of Bukau Api Api as Forest ReserveClass I2,095PPD BeaufortClass I(Protection)5 JanuaryApproved byCabinetGazettement of Bukit Hampuan Forest Reserve asForest Reserve Class I1,253PPD RanauClass I(Protection)6 MarchApproved byCabinetGazettement of Tabun Island, Serangga Island,Paga Island, Saddle Island & Leila Island asForest Reserve Class I79. 92PPD LahadDatuClass I(Protection)17 OctoberUnderConsiderationGazettement of the area between VJR Sapi ForestReserve and private land as Forest Reserve ClassVI28Mukim SapiClass VI (VirginJungle Reserve)8 SeptemberUnderConsiderationTotal 3,570.67Fig. 16.1 :Distributionof the proposed forestreserves in 200683

Annual Report 2006Table 16.2: Total area of permanent forest reserves, including the proposed gazettement and excisionClassClass IClass IIClass IIIClass IVClass VClass VIClass VIIType of ForestReserveProtection ForestCommercial ForestDomestic ForestAmenity ForestMangrove ForestVirgin Jungle ReserveWildlife ReserveCurrent total area(ha)342,8482,683,4807,35521,092315,87491,914132,653Proposals ofgazettement (Ha)3,427.92--8.05-134.7-Total area after approval ofproposal (ha)346,275.922,683,4807,35521,100.05315,87492,048.7132,653Total 3,595,216 3,570.67 3,598,786.67Based on the above proposals, the total area of PermanentForest Reserves in the State will increase from 3,595,216hectares to 3,598,786.67 hectares. The changes involveseveral classes of FRs as per Table 16.2.Interagency forest sectoral coordinationThe Forest Sector Coordination Meeting between the NaturalResources Office and the Forestry Department continued asone of the important meeting to address policies and issuesaffecting forestry in the state. The State’s Lands and SurveysDepartment is also an important member in the committee.In the reporting year 2006, two (2) meetings were held.The meetings dwelt on matters concerning the proposedgazettement of forest reserves and land related issues. Bothmeetings were chaired by Tn. Hj. Nordin Siman, the newSecretary of Natural Resources Office.Group Photo of members who attended the Forest Sector Coordination Meeting between the Natural Resources Office and theForestry Department at SFI Motel, Sipitang, 28 th July 2006Clockwise from left: The 30m FireManagement Tower with a cost ofRM350,000 which was funded under the8 th Malaysia Plan; visit to Muaya WaterfallRecreation Site and Forest Restoration atMesapol Forest Reserve, Sipitang; ForestSector Coordination Meeting in sessionat the SFI Motel; and Launching of theSipitang Fire Management Tower byTn. Hj. Nordin Siman, the Secretary ofNatural Resources and witnessed by theDirector of Forestry on the 27 th July 2006in conjunction with the Forest SectorCoordination Meeting in Sipitang.84

Forest Sector PlanningInput to State Legislative Assembly and ParliamentThe Division had coordinated and provided the department’sinputs to address various questions raised in the StateLegislative Assembly and Parliament. Relevant questions thatwere raised in 2006, are related to issues as follows:-• Encroachment into FRs;• Community settlements in SFI concession and FRs;• The effectiveness of Forest Enforcement;• Total area and impact of loggings in Yayasan Sabahconcession; and• Total amount of royalties received and collected fromYayasan SabahSustainable Forest Management (SFM) ManagementCommitteesThis division is also actively involved in the managementcommittees for the following Forest Management Units (FMU) orForest Reserves that are placed under the direct managementof the Forestry Department as follows:i. Tangkulap-Pinangah FR (FMU 17 or Greater Deramakot);ii. Kalabakan-Sapulut FR (FMU 25);iii. Ulu-Segama & Malua FR ;iv. Ulu Kalumpang FR; andv. Tabin Wildlife FRIn the management committees, this division was tasked onthe following areas of work:-i. High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF) Development;ii. Certification with WWF (World Wildlife Fund);iii. Carbon Sequestration Project Development;iv. Fund raising for the conservation project (eg. HSBC);v. International collaboration / cooperation; andvi. Proposed SFD-UNESCO GRASP Roundtable MeetingInternational AffairFostering Regional Cooperation and CollaborationRegional InitiativesKey regional initiatives, in which the department is activelyinvolved in the reporting year is the Heart of Borneo (HoB). Asa follow up to the recommendations made in the workshop inBrunei Darussalam in 2005, several meetings and workshopswere held at the National and State levels as follows:-• Heart of Borneo (HoB) State Level Workshop – Sabah (inpreparation for Malaysia Expert Group Meeting), PacificSutera, Kota Kinabalu, 07 th September 2006• Mesyuarat Kumpulan Kerja Teknikal MembincangkanInitiatif Heart of Borneo Peringkat Negeri, 13 th September2006, Pejabat Hasil Bumi• Mesyuarat Kumpulan Kerja Pakar Membincangkan InisiatifHeart of Borneo, 21 st -22 nd September 2006, WilayahPersekutuan Labuan• Heart of Borneo Tri-National Meeting in Cebu, Philipines,24 th November 2006• Mesyuarat Membincangkan Deklarasi Heart of Borneo inJakarta, Indonesia on 04 th Dicember 2006• Majlis Menandantangani Deklarasi Heart of Borneo, 12 thFebruary 2007, IndonesiaThrough these meetings and workshops, the department hadcontributed on the following:-1. Drafting of the Tri-National Declaration;2. Proposed boundary of the HoB Area for Sabah in which atotal area of 4,000,674 ha was identified during the HoBState Level Workshop;3. Identification of the areas of interest;4. Inputs during the Experts Technical Working Meeting and;5. Preparation of a Cabinet Paper.Apart from the HoB initiative, the department had also attendedseveral regional meetings as follows:-1. The Preparatory Meeting for the 11 th Ministerial Meeting2. 1 st Chief Ministers’ & Governors’ Forum3. 14 th Senior Officers’ Meeting4. 3 rd BIMP-EAGA Summit on the 22 nd Nov 2006 in KotaKinabalu5. 11 th SOSEK MALINDO Conference on the 20 th -21 st July2007, Kuala Lumpur.European Union-Forest Law Enforcement, Governanceand Trade (EU-FLEGT)The EU-FLEGT Initiative sets out an action plan to addressthe problem of illegal logging and the trade of associatedillegal timber products. A key element in the action plan inis the proposal to establish bilateral Voluntary PartnershipAgreements (VPA) between EC and timber producing countriesin order to ensure that only legally sourced timber products areimported into the EU. The Action Plans focus on seven broadareas;• Support to timber-producing countries;• Activities to promote trade in legal timber;• Promoting trade in legal timber;• Promoting public procurement policies;• Support for private sector initiatives;• Safeguards for financing and investment;• Use of existing legislation instruments or adoption of newlegislation to support the Plan;In pursuance of this Initiative, Malaysia and the EC had engagedin several informal discussion until September 2006, whereboth formally announced the initiation of the negotiations.Throughout 2006, the department has facilitated andcontributed inputs for the preparation of the EU-FLEGT andVolunteering Partnership Agreement (VPA) at the State andNational level. This includes attending the following meetingsand activities:-• Working Group Meeting on the Voluntary PartnershipAgreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governanceand Trade (FLEGT), 7 th March 2006• Regional Consultation on VPA of FLEGT, 3 rd April 2006• European Union Technical Mission on Forest LawEnforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), 4th May,2006• Preparatory Meeting on European Union Technical Missionon Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade(FLEGT), 4 th May, 2006• European Union-Forest Law Enforcement, Governance &Trade (EU-FLEGT) Technical Mission to Sabah, HQ SFD,8 th May 2006• Meeting between Malaysia, The European Commission& The Netherlands on a Potential Voluntary PartnershipAgreement (VPA) on FLEGT, 16 th May 2006• Joint Inter-Agency Meeting on the VPA on Forest LawEnforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), 13 th July2006• Internal Joint Inter-Agency Meeting on the VPA on ForestLaw Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), 26 thJuly 2006• Meeting on the Draft Joint Statement on a VoluntaryPartnership agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement,Governance & Trade (FLEGT) between Malaysia & EU,14 th August 200685

Annual Report 2006Managing and Coordinating Projects with External Funding & CollaborationProjects with external funding and support that are being implemented by the Forestry Department in the reporting year are asshown in table below:-ProjectsThe Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Peat Swamp Forest and AssociatedWetlandsInternational Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)Development of Agro-forestry Technology for the Rehabilitation of Tropical ForestsDisturbance and Recovery of Tropical ForestsPromote the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Forest Resource in MangkuwaguForest Reserve through Capacity Building and Community ForestryAssessment of FMU17, FMU25 and Ulu Segama-Malua (USM) for CertificationUlu Segama-Malua (USM) Sustainable Forest Management ProjectUNDP/GEFPartner OrganisationsInternational Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)Japan International Research Centre forAgricultural Science (JIRCAS)Centre of Ecological Research, Kyoto University.UNDP MalaysiaCountry OfficeWWF-MFTN/GFTNMultiple partners(Please see separate report)New projects with external supports that are awaiting MoU and MoA are as shown in table below:-ProjectsHSBC Small Grant to Implement a Project in Deramakot Forest Reserve (FR) to restoreorang utan habitat at the southern partPreservation of Rhinoceros in Sabah in their natural habitatsThe Mobile Unit for Wildlife Enforcement and Monitoring Unit in Tangkulap-PinangahForest Reserve (FMU 17A)Study on the Diversity of Ground Vegetation in a given oil palm plantation in SabahTabin Wildlife Reserve – Publication of guidebook, promotional video and educationalposterRestoration of Ulu Kalumpang FRPartner OrganisationsHSBCSOS Rhino (Borneo) BhdMalaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC)MPOCMPOCBorneo Tropical Rainforest Foundation (BTRF)The signing ceremony on the Memorandum of Understanding between State Government of Sabah/ Sabah Forestry Department &EC UNDP for the Small Grant Programme For Operation s to Promote Tropical Forests (SGP PTF)Apart from that, the department is also involved in projects implemented by other agencies as follows:-• Project on The Conservation and Sustainable Use of Highlands of Sabah and Sarawak by EPU-UNDP;• Small Grant Programme for Operations to Promote Tropical Forest (SGP-PTF) by UNDP-EU;• Borneo Biodiversity Ecosystem Conservation (BBEC) Project by UMS, JICA and Sabah Government;• A Community Based Approach to Conservation and Development in Ulu Padas by WWF-DANIDA; and• Tourism Area Concept Plans for Beaufort, Kuala Penyu and Sipitang by the State Government of Sabah by IDS86

Forest Sector PlanningInternational Conventions, Forum and CouncilUnited Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)The UNFF continued with its 6 th Session to address unfinishedbusiness of the 5 th Session of the UNFF regarding thedevelopment of an International Arrangement on Forests(IAF). The session concluded with consensus on the fourglobal objectives i.e.; (i) reversing the loss of forest coverand increasing efforts to prevent forest degradation, (ii)enhancing forest benefits and their contribution to internationaldevelopment goals. (iii) increasing the area of protected forestsand areas of sustainably managed forests, and (iv) reversingthe decline in official development assistance for SustainableForest Management. In addition to that, the meeting alsoagreed to meet annually and to review the effectiveness of theIAF in 2015.ITTO and Related ActivitiesThe department continued its active engagement with ITTOand had attended to its Council Meetings and related meetingsas follows:-1. Follow-up Meeting on the 39 th Session of the InternationalTropical Timber Council (ITTC), 16 th Jan 20062. The 41 st Session of the International Tropical TimberCouncil (ITTC) and Associated Session of the Committeesin Yokohama, Japan, 6 th -11 th Nov 20063. Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conferencefor the Negotiation of a Successor Agreement to theInternational Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) 1994,Fourth Part, 17 th Jan 2006As part of the measures to improve and strengthen the ITTOproject cycle, a Project Evaluation Committee was establishedat the national level. Mr. Frederick Kugan & Mr. ChristopherMatunjau were appointed as the department’s representativeand alternates to the project committee. In the reporting year,two meetings were held as follows:-1. 1 st Meeting on the Project Steering Committee on ITTOProject. 17 th July 20062. 2 nd Meeting on the Project Steering Committee on ITTOProject PD, FRIM, 20 th Nov 2006.Projects with Sabah’s component, that are under implementationand consideration are shown in Table 16.3Convention on the International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)Relevant to the implementation of CITES, a National Act inWild Flora and Fauna was proposed. The Sabah ForestryDepartment with the State’s Wildlife Department and theState Attorney General had participated in the formulation ofthe new legislation. Apart from that, the department had alsoparticipated in the following meetings and CITES relatedactivities as follows:-• Workshop on the Trade Dynamics of Agarwood (Gaharu)on Malaysia and Considerations of CITES Non-DetrimentalFindings, KL, 1 st -3 rd Mac 2006• CITES International Committee Meeting, KL, 6 th Mac 2006• ITTO Expert Meeting on the Effective Implementation ofthe Inclusion of Ramin (Gonystylus spp.) in Appendix II ofCITES, KL, 16 th -18 th May 2006• Malaysia Preparatory Meeting for Plant Committee Meeting(PC16) CITES on 3 rd – 8 th July, KL , 19 th June 2006• Clarification on Specific Species Nomenclature andPublication Export Quotas for Gonystylus, KL, 19th June2006• Post-Mortem of ITTO Expert Meeting on The EffectiveImplementation of Ramin (Gonystylus spp.) in the AppendixII of CITES, KL, 19 th June 2006• Preparatory for Workshop on Capacity Building on Trade inAgarwood, KL, 19 th June 2006• The Preparatory Meeting for the 54 th Meeting of the StandingCommittee of CITES, KL, 2 nd -6 th Oct 2006• Expert Meeting on Agarwood – Capacity BuildingWorkshop for Improving Enforcement and Implementationof the Listing of Aquilaria malacensis and other Agar wood-Producing Species, KL, 14 th – 17 th Nov 2006Other related conventionsBesides all above, the department had also participated inconferences as follows:-• Urban Forestry Conference, Kuala Lumpur on 6 th – 8 th Jun2006• The International Conference & Exhibition on Mangrove ofIndian & Western Pacific Oceans, Kuala Lumpur on 21 st-24 th Aug 2006.• 4 th Asia Pacific Ecotourism Conference, KL on 2 nd -5 th Nov2006.Promoting and Facilitating CertificationDeramakot, covering 55,083 ha, still remains as the onlycertified forest in Sabah. Nevertheless, efforts are continuedto bring other forest areas under certification. In pursuit ofthis endeavor, the Forestry Department in collaboration withthe WWF Malaysia has planned to bring a total of about 0.5million hectares of forest reserves i.e: Tangkulap Pinangah-FMU 17 (83,820 ha), Ulu Segama (240,000 ha) and FMU25 (Kalabakan-Sapulut-119,695 ha) under the certificationprocess. The process began with the appointment of GlobalForestry Services (GFS), an independent assessor, to conductan assessment of gaps and to draw up the action plans tobring these forests under certification. It is planned that allthese areas will be certified within 2 to 5 years. Other forestareas, being for considered for certification include, TrusmadiFR (Conservation) and Ulu Kalumpang FR (Conservation).Table 16.3 : ITTO Projects with Sabah’s Component (Under Implementation and Consideration)ITTO ProjectsThe Establishment of Tree Seed Orchards for Selected IndigenousTree Species in Sabah, MalaysiaProject Improving Utilizing and Value Adding of Plantation Timbersfrom Sustainable Sources in Malaysia (Project lead by FRIM)A Comprehensive Information System For Sustainability of theWooden Furniture Industry in Malaysia (Coordinated by FRIM)Integrated Conservation and Management of Mangrove Forest inMalaysia.Selection and Mass Production of Quality Teak Clones withSuperior Yeild to Fulfill Worldwide Demand of High Value TimbersImplementingAgencyFRIM/FRCFRIM/FRCFRIM/FRCNRESabah FoundationImplemented in progressImplemented in progressImplemented in progressStatus(Project is now being implemented under the RMK9funding.) Awaiting financing from ITTOBeing considered by the National EvaluationCommittee87

Annual Report 2006Fig.16.2 : Forest Areas under The Certification Process in 2006.Long- term Sustainable Forest Management License Holdershave also initiated some efforts toward meeting this objective.Notable progress is demonstrated by Yayasan Sabahparticularly in its FMU 15 & 16 covering 191,652 ha. Theseareas are currently under a certification support program thatis being implemented jointly with the Tropical Forest Trust(TFT). Apart from this, another potential area to be broughtunder forest management certification is FMU 19A (Segaliud-Lokan FR). KTS the long term concession holder plans, to gettheir concession area totaling 57,240 ha, certified based onthe MTCC’s certification scheme. This is to complement theexisting MS ISO 14000 Certification which was granted to them.SSSB is also preparing their 25,000 ha of forest plantations forcertification under the FSC. (Refer Fig16.2)On certification policy work, the department continued itsactive engagement with MTCC on the refinement of MC&I 2002for Forest Management Certification based on FSC principles,and the development of standards for the certification of forestplantations. Concurrently, the department also continued toparticipate in the FSC National Working Group, and NGO drivenprocess, to develop a National FSC Standard for SustainableForest Management and its implementation mechanism inMalaysia.International visitorsThroughout the reporting year, key international visitor(s)handled by the division during the reporting year are as shownin table below.Deramakot visit by HSBC Group ChairmanInternational visits Month Purpose of visitFebruaryMr. Ishwaran N. from UNESCO/GRASP and DelegationExecutive88Discussion on the co-operation between Sabah, Malaysia and theGreat Apes Survival Project (GRASP) for the Conservation of theOrang UtanChief Officer (CEO) Walter Kaelin of Forest Investment TrustApril Identification of investment potential in Forest Plantations in Sabah(FIT) and delegationBorneo Tropical Rainforest Foundation (BTRF) group June Evaluation on potential investment projects in SabahMr. Thierry Rommel, EC Ambassador August Informal discussions on FLEGT VPAMr. Stephen Green, the HSBC Group Chairman and delegation August Observe SFM implementation in Deramakot FRMr. David Cassells from The Nature Conservancy October To explore possible collaboration in Forest Conservation work inSabahDr. Hamish Cockrane, Dean of The Forestry School,Christchurch, New ZealandNovember Site visit to Deramakot

Forest Sector PlanningForest Recreation and EcotourismAs part of the effort to diversify forest revenue, the departmenthas proposed, the imposition of standardized entrance feesand other administration fees in all nature centres and forestreserves. This matter was deliberated at the department’sCommittee on Nature Centres and Ecotourism and the proposalwas submitted to the Secretary of Natural Resources for theState Cabinet’s consideration and approval.Other activities relevant to the development of this sectorare as follows:-Guidelines on Ecotourism Development within ForestReservesTo ensure orderly implementation ofecotourism within forest reserves, thedivision has formulated an ‘EcotourismGuidelines for Development in ForestReserves’. This guideline is conceivedas a practical tool in providing technicalguidance to applicants and developersas well as to the staff of Sabah ForestryDepartment on application procedures,and the “Do’s and Don’ts” for ecotourismdevelopment within forest reserves.Monitoring and Cordinating proposalsIn the reporting year, two (2) ecotourism proposals werereceived as per Table 16.4.Development of Nature CentresTo further develop the ecotourism and recreation facilities,the department has also submitted to the Ministry of Tourism,Malaysia for the funding of nine (9) tourism proposals for thefollowing nature centres:-1. VJR Lungmanis Nature Centre, Sandakan2. Klias Peat Swamp Forest Field Centre, Beaufort3. Rumbia Information Centre, Beaufort4. Madai Baturong Nature Centre, Kunak5. Rafflesia Information Centre, Tambunan6. Jati Nature Centre, Kota Marudu7. Gemok Hill Nature Centre, Tawau8. Kawang Nature Centre, Kota Kinabalu9. Rainforest Discovery Centre, SandakanFig.16.3 shows the location of the nature centres.Other Major EventThe 35 th World Forestry Day & Sealing of the Time SealingCapsuleThis division had also acted as the Secretariat to the 35 th WorldForestry Day 2006 & the Sealing of the Time Capsule at theRainforest Discovery Centre, which was held on 2nd May2006. The objective was to treasure past and present memoirsof forestry in Sabah for the benefit of future generations.The Sealing of the Time Capsule was officiated by the RightHonorable Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Hj. Aman.The function was attended by about 600 invitees comprisingof members from the international and local dignitaries,representatives from various State and Federal governmentagencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector,FMU holders and staff of the Forestry Department.Table 16.4 : Proposal on Ecotourism Development and Activities by the private sectorEcotourism proposalProposed camping site in Trusmadi FR (FMU 10) by BorneoJungle GirlJoint Promotion Project between SFD and Neutral Bay Sdn Bhdin conjunction with the Rumbia Fest 2006LocationTrusmadi FR,KeningauRumbia InformationCentre, Kuala PenyuDate ofsubmissionFebruaryJanuaryStatusApproved -1 year of OP has beenissued for implementationJoint promotion conducted andplanned to be included as part ofthe department annual program.Fig 16.3 : Location of the nature centres.89

Annual Report 2006Special Features on ProjectsThe Klias Peat Swamp Forest (PSF) Conservation ProjectThis project continues with the implementation of activitiesplanned under the 9 th Malaysia Plan and the UNDP/GEFcomponents.9th Malaysia Plan Project’s ComponentOn physical development, the Klias Peat Swamp Forest FieldCentre was completed on the 25 th August 2006. The LaunchingCeremony of the new centre was graced by Yg. Berbahagia,Dato’ Suboh B. Mohd. Yassin, the Secretary General, Ministryof Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia.Clockwise from top : An aerial view of Klias Peat SwampForest Field Centre, Beaufort; Field Laboratory; staff quarters;The opening of Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre was graced byYg. Berbahagia, Dato’ Suboh B. Mohd. Yassin; DFO Sipitangbriefed on the forest fire prevention and fire fighting equipmentin forest reserves in Sabah; Mr. Christopher A. Matunjau briefedon the Hydrology studies in Klias Forest Reserve; The Klias PeatSwamp Field Centre visit was guided by Datuk Sam Mannan andMr. Frederick Kugan; and tree planting activities at the Klias PeatSwamp Field Centre, Klias Forest Reverse.90

Forest Sector PlanningA total of RM 5.5 million were approved under the 9thMalaysia Plan (2006-2010) to implement follow up activities tosupport the conservation of Peat Swamp Forest. Key activitiesimplemented within the reporting year include; hydrologymonitoring, forest restoration, fire fighting, drainage systemand awareness raising program.UNDP/GEF Project ComponentThe UNDP/GEF’s component focused on developingcommunity-based activities and the formulation of the KliasForest Reserve Conservation Plan (KFRCP). The mostsignificant achievements are as follows:-1. Construction of the canal blocking;2. The establishment of the temporary nursery to support therehabilitation of degraded areas near Kg. Suasa;3. Determination of indicators and formation of Expert Panelfor monitoring biodiversity;4. Mobilization of community-based initiatives in alternativelivelihoods and awareness-raising campaign and;5. Providing thematic training, exposure visits andexperimental learning to strengthen both institutional andhuman capacities;Top: Canal blocking at Klias Peat Swamp FR; (above) and temporarynursery at the Southwest of Klias Peat Swamp FR.The 8 th SPSC Meeting of the Klias Peat Swamp Forest ConservationProjectThe project continues to pursue actively on process-drivenmanagement actions such as; transition to gradual handlingoverof the KFRCP prescription and annual operational plans,and implement results based programs involving supplementallivelihood of the communities and capacity building of forestrangers. The project had committed further resources tosupport the execution of pending tasks, such as; the gazettalprocess for legal protection of the proposed Bukau Api-ApiConservation/Protection Area, Institutionalizing the linkages ofthe KFRCP to local stataory plans, and the formation of theSabah Wetlands Management Committee (WMC).Throughout the reporting year, the UNDP/GEF’s componenthad also contributed the following reports and research outputsas shown in Table 16.5.In the remaining period of the project, both components ofthe 9 th Malaysia Plan and the UNDP/GEF are as follows:-.• Support the administrative requirements to gazette theBukau Api-Api Conservation/Protection Area;• Establish the ecological monitoring process, to ensurethat the ecosystems are adequately protected from furtherthreats; and• Continue administrative support to SFD to implementthreat mitigation solutions in order to reach out the widerstakeholders as part of the participatory inter-agencyapproach to sensitize the formation of the State WMC.Besides that, there are 133 species of birds and 4 types offrogs found in Klias Peat Swamp Forest (KPSF). It is a habitatfor the Proboscis Monkey and Long-tailed macaque andbirdlife. In addition, more than 100 species of butterflies andmoths can be found in the forest.In order to tap all these unique richness of biodiversity ofthe KPSF for recreation and ecotourism, the department hassubmitted a proposal to the Ministry of Tourism through theMinistry of Nature Resource & Environment, to build a 3.5km Klias Discovery Trail (Boardwalk) in the high Peat SwampForest, including the provision of supporting facilities such as;rest area, notice boards, interpretation guidelines, and furtherimprovement to the Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre to cater forvisitors.The department believes that this project can provide anopportunity for local communities to participate in ecotourismactivities and to create a better understanding on the importanceof wildlife protection and conservation in KPSF. This in turn, willsupport the conservation of KPSF in the long run.Table 16.5: Reports Produced in 2006Titles Author RemarksTraining of Community Fire Volunteers in The Klias Peat Swamp Forests Conservation Area Paul P.K. JanuaryTraining of Community Fire Volunteers in The Klias Peat Swamp Forests Conservation Area Tropplant Foresters SB MayTechnical Design and Notes on the Guidelines for Managing And Maintenance of the Canal NetworkTan Kok JyhJuneAlong the Periphery of the Northern and Northwestern Boundaries of Klias Forest ReservePromote Local Community Involvement In Conservation Programme Gaim James Lunkapis SeptemberPenyeliaan Operasi Tapak Semaian Untuk Persiapan Pemulihan Semula Kawasan Di Hutan Simpan Klias Hj. Ahmad Talip JulyIntegrate Peatland Management And Conservation Into Development Planning of Klias Peninsula Boyd D Joeman SeptemberTraining On Community Extension Services for Forest Rangers Winnie Yee @ Joan December91

Annual Report 2006Fig.16.4: Klias Discovery trail in Klias Peat Swamp Forest Reserve proposalEcotourism Attractions In Klias FR –“This is the lastremaining peat swamp forest in Sabah”Based on the findings of Klias Peat Swamp Forest Project, thedepartment foresees the potential of the Klias Peat SwampForest Reserve becoming one of the tourism products in KliasPeninsula. Klias Peat Swamp Forest Reserve is rich in biologicalresources representing extraordinary biodiversity most suited forthe purpose of new forest recreation and ecotourism activities.The forest type is characterized by the dominant associationof several species, namely Kapur Paya (Dryobalanops rappa),Seraya Paya (Shorea platycarpa), Jongkong (Dactylocladusstenostachys) and Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus). Togetherthese species make up 60-70% of the standing basal area,particularly in Klias Peat Swamp Forest Reserve (FR). It alsocontains thousands of plants species, many of which are stillundefined such as algae, mushrooms, fungi, wild orchids andwild gingers.Based on local people experiences, there are more than60 plants species with medicinal values. Some can be used toremedy cuts and wounds, skin and eye infections. Others canbe used to treat muscular pains, fever and headaches, andremedies for health complaints affecting children.Besides that, there are 133 species of birds and 4 types offrogs found in Klias Peat Swamp Forest (KPSF). It is a habitatfor the Proboscis Monkey and Long-tailed macaque andbirdlife. In addition, more than 100 species of butterflies andmoths can be found in the forest.In order to tap all these unique richness of biodiversity ofthe KPSF for recreation and ecotourism, the department hassubmitted a proposal to the Ministry of Tourism through theMinistry of Nature Resource & Environment, to build a 3.5km Klias Discovery Trail (Boardwalk) in the high Peat SwampForest, including the provision of supporting facilities such as;rest area, notice boards, interpretation guidelines, and furtherimprovement to the Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre to cater forvisitors.The department believes that this project can provide anopportunity for local communities to participate in ecotourismactivities and to create a better understanding on the importanceof wildlife protection and conservation in KPSF. This in turn, willsupport the conservation of KPSF in the long run.N.ampulariaFungi (golden)N. rafflesianaThe few majestic ramin (Gonystylusbancanus) trees remaining in Klias ForestReservePearl white fungi in the forestN.gracilisN.bicalcarata92