Zainal Abidin (sixth left) receives souvenirs from UPM’s Faculty of Environmental Forestry members at STIDC headquarters in Kuching this morning. – Photo from STIDC
KUCHING (Jan 24): Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Faculty of Environmental Forestry is looking to establish a strategic partnership with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) to develop and implement the Sarawak Permanent Forest Reserve Master Plan Project.
The initiative focuses on conserving forest resources, ensuring sustainable management, and protecting Sarawak’s biodiversity.
STIDC general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah highlighted the significance of the collaboration in advancing sustainable forest management while benefiting local communities.
“This collaboration is an important step in achieving the goal of sustainable forest management and benefiting the local community,” he said in a statement following a courtesy visit from the faculty members at STIDC headquarters here today.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Permanent Forest Reserve Master Plan Project head Dr Shazali Johari underscored the role of research and innovation in forest management, noting that the partnership would help formulate more effective conservation strategies.
“This visit is expected to lead to the implementation of projects that will not only improve the ecosystem, but also create job opportunities and improve the living standards of the local community,” he said.
The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of STIDC and UPM to sustainably manage Sarawak’s forest resources for the benefit of future generations, he added.