A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN (People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service) ISSN 1394-5726

Online Publisher:          Contents provided by:	World Forestry Day - 21 MARCH 2000 A Message From The Sarawak Forestry Department Once again, it is time to turn our thoughts to the forest. It is important we appreciate that whatever our technological achieve-ment and human development, the forest remains the basis of our very existence. Sarawak is one of the few regions in Southeast Asia where forests still cover more than 70% of the land surface. The rainforests are very much a part of our life. We recognize the significant role of forest in regulating the hydrological cycle, as a storehouse of genetic resources, in maintaining environment stability and in providing a sanctuary for flora and fauna. One of the important aspects of forest is the regulation of the hydrological cycle. Vegetation acts as sponges. We may not feel the first drops of the rainfall for a few seconds because the foliage intercepts the rainwater. The water would then be filtered through. It is further intercepted and absorbed by the left litter. Apart from that, the forest provides a tremendous surface area to trap dust and other pollutants in the atmosphere. The trees and shrubs also absorb solar radiation. Removal of this cover naturally increases air temperatures. Direct radiation may be detrimental to health. Trees ensure that our streams and rivers will not dry up. Apart from regulating the hydrological cycle, the forest is a storehouse of genetic materials. Of the thousands of species of plants and animals living in the forest, many are of potential importance in plant breeding and the control of pests and diseases in agriculture and forestry. The forest is also an important source of medicinal products. A catchment area covered with rainforest is able to hold back a far greater amount of water in its foliage while leaf litter covering the forest floor hold back the water and allows slow seepage through to the soil. After the rain stops, water continues to drip down from the crowns of trees for several hours. Because the water is absorbed onto the soil and held back by the vegetation, the rate of discharge is much slower and the considerable amount stored in the soil means that water will generally be available throughout the dry spells. These are strong reasons for maintaining natural vegetation cover on steep slopes liable to erosion and accelerated run-off. Sarawak takes comfort in the fact that the State's Forest Policy existed since 1954. Sustainable management of her forest resources had been practised as far back as the turn of the century. Today Sarawak is continuing her commitment to sustainable forest manage-ment. With the growing concern over defores-tation and the associated detrimental environ-mental effects, consumers of forest products want to be assured that these products have been produced through sound forest management practices. In this regard, Sarawak has committed herself to timber certification, a market-linked tool to encourage and enhance sustainable forest management. As a leading exporter of tropical timber and timber products, the State Government with the co-operation of the Sarawak Timber Association and National Timber Certification Council Malaysia, is in the process of finalizing the Malaysian Criteria and Indicators at the national level, which will not only meet the market requirements but also serve as an audit on the status of sustainable forest management practices. On World Forestry Day, which falls on March 21, let us reflect, if only for a moment, the gift of plants and trees and the role they play in enhancing the quality of our lives. Let us appreciate and respect them.
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