SANDAKAN: The Forest Research Centre (FRC) of the Sabah Forestry Department has officially launched its Research Programmes (2026-2030).
Officiated by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Zulkifli Suara, the five-year framework establishes an integrated, science-driven roadmap to support sustainable forest management (SFM), climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation across the state.
In line with its mission to provide scientific research and technical support, the FRC’s five-year framework advances sustainable forestry practices in Sabah through five core research pillars.
Research on forest ecosystems monitors long-term terrestrial and mangrove health, evaluates soil productivity, and assesses climate risks and blue carbon potential.
It also integrates spatial data into the Sabah Ecosystem Hub, a digital platform supporting evidence-based forest management decisions.
Closely integrated with ecosystem management, research on forest biodiversity and conservation documents the richness of Sabah’s plant, fungal, and wildlife species and supports efforts to protect threatened taxa.
Alongside these efforts, forest plantation research seeks to improve timber productivity through tree improvement and trials of fast-growing species, while research on forest produce and products explores better wood utilisation and the potential of non-timber forest products.
Recognising that SFM also depends on people and livelihoods, forest socio-economic research examines community participation, traditional knowledge, social impacts, nature tourism opportunities and sustainable financing.
Together, these research areas aim to strengthen the scientific knowledge and practical approaches needed to conserve Sabah’s forests while supporting their sustainable use for future generations.
Furthermore, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) under FRC continues to prioritise environmental education and forest recreation based on research outcomes.
The 2026–2030 Research Programmes and Activities directly align the FRC’s priorities with Sabah Forest Policy 2018 and the 20th Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) Resolutions.
By operationalising national directives on biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, Nature-Based Solutions, industrial tree plantations, and community-driven social forestry, FRC ensures that Sabah’s forestry sector remains scientifically grounded, policy-aligned, and prepared to meet both regional and global sustainability targets.
