KUALA LUMPUR: The Improving Connectivity in the Central Forest Spine (IC-CFS) is aimed at preserving and conserving the nation's forests by improving ecological engagement.
Energy and Natural Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Rosli Isa said the ministry would continue to work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) to implement various initiatives to achieve the desired results.
In announcing a new project under GEF funding, "Global Wildlife Programme", he said it would be implemented next year in combatting crimes against wildlife.
"Biodiversity is a valuable natural asset of the country in maintaining the natural environment, as well as providing life-support systems in various sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, medicine and tourism.
"The ministry is committed to implementing Target 17 in the National Biodiversity Policy (2016-2025), which saw a significant increase in funds and resources provided for biodiversity conservation from government sources," he said.
IC-CFS national project manager Dr Samsuddin Musa said the project that would be extended until Dec 2023 focused on curbing excessive logging as well as developing rehabilitation in the forest.
"By activating enforcement actions through Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (Smart) Patrolling with the local communities in the states of Perak, Pahang and Johor, we managed to deepen the curve in data (graph and bring down) illegal hunting by 90 per cent.
"Many habitats have become (homes) to endangered species, the forest quality has dropped, excessive logging and reforestation happened throughout the years, threatening the nation's forest," he said during the IC-CFS Project Showcase in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Since the beginning of the year, IC-CFS has implemented over 50 activities under three subcategories, namely, compliance monitoring and enforcement for integrated forest landscape management; sustainable forest landscape management and diversification of financing resources.
"IC-CFS planned to work on the ground by visiting the forests in particular states to accelerate all development matters."
He said the initiatives saw collaborations with the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, the ministry, the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), state forest departments and non-governmental organisations nationwide.
"The country houses one of the world's richest forests with 55 per cent in total, hence I believe we can achieve the goal if we work hand in hand," he said.