The use of space technology for forest management is a promising new approach that has the potential to make a significant impact on the conservation of forests.
The Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa) and the Sabah Forestry Department have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the use of space technology to manage forest resources. The MoU was signed by Mysa Director-General Azlikamil Napiah and Sabah Chief Forest Conservator Datuk Frederick Kugan on May 26, 2023, at the Mysa headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Under the MoU, Mysa and the Sabah Forestry Department will work together to develop and implement a space-based forest monitoring system. The system will use satellite data to monitor forest cover, track deforestation, and assess the impact of climate change on forests. The information collected by the system will be used to develop and implement more effective forest management strategies.
The use of space technology for forest management is a promising new approach that has the potential to make a significant impact on the conservation of forests. By using space technology, it is possible to monitor forest cover and track deforestation in a way that was not possible before. This information can then be used to develop and implement more effective forest management strategies.
The MoU between Mysa and the Sabah Forestry Department is a significant step forward in the use of space technology for forest management in Malaysia. The system that will be developed under the MoU has the potential to make a major contribution to the conservation of forests in Sabah and across Malaysia.
In addition to the use of space technology, the MoU also includes provisions for the exchange of expertise and information between Mysa and the Sabah Forestry Department. This will help to ensure that both parties are able to benefit from the latest developments in forest management.
Current situation of managing forest resources in Malaysia
Malaysia has an estimated 55 percent forest cover, which play an important role in the country’s economy and environment. The Malaysian government has a number of policies and programs in place to manage forest resources.
These include: The National Forest Policy, which sets out the government’s vision for forest management in Malaysia; The Forest Conservation Act, which protects Malaysia’s forests from illegal logging and other destructive activities; and The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification program, which sets standards for sustainable forest management.
The Malaysian government is also working to improve forest monitoring in the country. The government is investing in new technologies and training for forest rangers. The government is also working to build partnerships with other organizations, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private companies.
Despite these efforts, Malaysia’s forests are still under threat from illegal logging, forest fires, and land development. In 2019, Malaysia lost an estimated 180,000 hectares of forest, an area the size of Singapore.
The Malaysian government is committed to protecting its forests. The government is working to improve forest monitoring in the country and to promote sustainable forest management. However, more needs to be done to address the threats facing Malaysia’s forests.
The data showed that only in 2019, illegal logging, forest fires, and land development were major threats to Malaysian forest cover. It is estimated that it lost 180,000; 120,000; and 100,000 hectares of forest respectively to these challenges.
The Malaysian government is working to address these challenges. The government has increased law enforcement efforts to combat illegal logging. The government has also implemented a number of programs to prevent forest fires. And, the government is also working to reduce the demand for land for development.
The signing of the MoU is a positive development for the conservation of forests in Malaysia. It demonstrates the commitment of the Malaysian government to using space technology to address environmental challenges. The system that will be developed under the MoU has the potential to make a major contribution to the conservation of forests in Sabah and across Malaysia.