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Activities Report 1999 July Newsletter

GAZETTEMENT OF HIGH ALTITUDE FORESTS AS PROTECTIVE FORESTS 
      The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) welcomes the move by the Goverment to classify forest reserves on altitudes of 1000 m. and above as protected forests. The move is timely, as most of our remaining natural forests (which, incidentally, are located on steep land) are under threat from log-ging, encroachment, and resort and residential development. Forests are more than repositories of biological diversity and timber. They are carbon sinks, climate moderators, and, as catchment areas, sources of our water systems.
      Under the National Forestry Act, 1994, forest reserves in the peninsula are supposed to be classified into 11 forest types: Timber Production Forest, Soil Protection Forest, Soil Reclamation Forest, Flood Control Forest, Water Catchment Forest, Forest Sanctuary for Wildlife, Virgin Jungle Reserve, Amenity Forest, Education Forest, Research Forest, and Forest for Federal Purposes.  However, implementation of this Act by states is patchy, and the full process of defining the forest reserves has been delayed, possibly due to manpower and budgetary constraints.
      This move will effectively include a significant proportion of our existing forest reserves under the protective status, and is a good start towards the full classification into the 11 categories. States, however, must  immediately act on this, as any delay would mean that the un-protected forests will still be under threat.  The Society further encourages a continuous effort to gazette forest reserves also in lower altitudes to preserve our precious natural heritage.
      However, MNS is also concerned that non-forest resources above the 1000 m elevation are not given the same protection. We propose that forested land outside forest reserves be accorded the same status as they also provide the same ecological functions.

Kuala Lumpur, 26 January 1999


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Created on 30th June 1999