SANDAKAN: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the Forestry Department Headquarters in Sandakan between the Sabah Forestry Department, representing the State Government of Sabah, and Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan.
The main focus of this MoU is to collaborate on research regarding the impact of various approaches to forest restoration on the enhancement of wildlife habitats in Sabah.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, represented the Sabah Forestry Department, while Professor Dr. Hisashi Matsubayashi represented Tokyo University of Agriculture.
Tokyo University of Agriculture, established in 1891, is dedicated to promoting practical science and advancing ecological research in tropical regions.
Professor Hisashi is no stranger to Sabah, as he first visited the state in 1997 to conduct research on the lesser mouse deer in the Sepilok Forests.
In 2003, he continued his research on wildlife in the Deramakot Forest Reserve in central Sabah.
His findings from these studies led to the publication of a book titled “Natural Salt-licks and Mammals in Deramakot” in 2014, co-authored with Peter Lagan from the Sabah Forestry Department.
Currently, Professor Hisashi is in Sabah on a study tour with some of his undergraduate students.
Additionally, he is here to discuss potential research opportunities under the MoU.
It is anticipated that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial, as it will provide valuable data for sustainable forest management for both parties involved.
