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 <strong>Sabah</strong>; 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 the<strong>Sabah</strong> 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
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