SERIOUS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY

In 1948, as commercial harvesting of timber began in the swamps of east Malaysian state of Sarawak, ecofriendly methods were already the order of the day. The first working plans were written in the 1960s and harvesting in hill forests began in the mid-70s.

Focus subsequently shifted to sustained yield regulations. Forest Management Plans were prepared for licensed areas within permanent forests, taking into consideration environmental and social factors. These have ensured orderly harvesting and observance of boundaries and conditions stipulated in the logging licence.

The International Timber Trade Organisation then decided that, by 2000, all producer-countries should harvest only certified timber through Sustainable Forestry Management (SFM). It proved a
goal too far for most, leading to agreement in principle that this could be achieved in phases.

Sarawak Forestry, which is spearheading SFM measures, explains why and how implementation will benefit all stakeholders.