SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department organised the Green Sustainability Programme: Ecology and Importance of Fig Silviculture at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok, near here today.
The one-day event was officiated by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, and it was participated by some 100 participants from various agencies in Sabah.
In his speech, Datuk Kugan highlighted that the programme was not merely an academic gathering, but an important platform that highlighted the role of fig trees as a keystone species in tropical forest ecosystems.
Figs, belonging to the Ficus genus, are renowned for their adaptability to diverse habitats. This unique ability enables them to provide a continuous source of food for various wildlife species, thereby ensuring the survival of biodiversity and the balance of forest ecosystems.
Presentations by Sabah Forestry Department, 1StopBorneo Wildlife, Explore Gaia and BORA were delivered during this event, followed by an interactive dialogue and hands-on demonstration on fig propagation and visit to the nursery at the Forest Research Centre. Others agencies involved were Sabah Wildlife Department, Sawit Kinabalu and HUTAN.
Such programme enhances the understanding of fig silviculture practices, which include propagation, planting, and nursery management. This knowledge is crucial in supporting conservation and forest restoration efforts that have been affected by multiple challenges, including logging, land development, and the impacts of climate change.
This programme is also part of the Sabah Forestry Department’s project under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) for Biodiversity Conservation initiative, entitled “Fig Tree Planting Project as Support for Forest Conservation and Wildlife Habitat Sustainability in Sabah.” In line with the project’s component that emphasizes community awareness and participation, this programme not only focuses on the ecological importance of fig trees in biodiversity conservation but also strengthens social support through knowledge sharing among government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
This is the foundation for long-term success in holistic forest conservation.
