KUCHING: Experts in forestry, research, technology and geospatial as well as forest engineering and legislation came together for a high-level technical meeting in Japan today.
The meeting between the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and the National Institute for Environmental Studies Japan (NIES) was held at the institute’s headquarters in the city of Tsukuba.
Chaired by FDS Director, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, it was aimed at assessing scientific findings and research data to support the Sarawak government’s policy direction towards a green economy.
Nine senior research associates and consultants from NIES, led by Dr Yayoi Takeuchi, presented key research papers focusing on sustainable forestry practices and technological innovation.
The research findings will help inform strategic decision-making that is in line with Sarawak’s environmental sustainability goals.
The bilateral cooperation between Sarawak and NIES was sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 1, 2023 in Tsukuba, followed by a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on January 31, 2024 in Kuching.
Under the agreement, NIES was appointed as the Sarawak government’s official consultant in the field of forest-related research and development.
Throughout last year, NIES implemented a series of capacity-building training for Sarawak civil servants and industry players.
The training covered the latest forest technology and analysis, such as tree DNA mapping and the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology for forest modelling.
In conjunction with the meeting, delegations from FDS, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), and Sarawak Timber Association (STA) also visited the research facilities at NIES headquarters.
The visit included state-of-the-art laboratories such as flux chambers, satellite observation stations for greenhouse gases, as well as facilities for preserving cells of endangered species.
