Forest Issues

Worldwide

The fate of the world’s natural forests hangs by a thread. Many countries like Indonesia, central Africa, including the Amazons already had their timbers exploited.

Forests are being cleared to make way for livestock, or replaced by cash crops like soy and palm oil in the wake of climate change. Half of the world’s forests have already disappeared, only 20% of what remains are still intact.

The world lost more than 23 million acres of forest area every year as humankind’s opportunity to reverse deforestation around the globe continues to shrink. Not only deforestation posed a threat to millions for wildlife, it is also a human rights concern. It is estimated that the livelihood of some 1.2 to 1.7 billion people worldwide depended from forests.

Sabah

Sabah is also affected by the global problem of deforestation. Many Sabah forests were exploited during the boom of timber industry started in the 70s. By the 90s, many virgin forests are gone forever.

Instead of replanting, forests are replaced by the planting of cash crops, especially palm oil. Sabah at present is the largest oil palm cultivation state in Malaysia.

As a result of this, Sabah lost much of its natural water catchment areas and this led to constant floods in the state. Notwithstanding, many wildlife like elephants, pangolins, bantengs and rhinoceros were driven to extinction due to the unsustainable forestry practice, fires also broke out in the state forests, especially during extended period of dry-spells.

Yet, the Sabah government along with its FMUs remain committed to retain 50% forest cover while reserving 30% under total protected areas. The effort is done via replanting schemes and others.

The Sabah Government also banned the export of round logs to boost local industries which will create job opportunities for locals.

One of elephant sightings in Sapulut. Many wildlife like elephants, pangolins, bantengs and rhinoceros were driven to extinction due to the unsustainable forestry practice.