GENTING HIGHLANDS: The Biodiversity Forum 2024 organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) has highlighted the importance of safeguarding three iconic wildlife species in Malaysia.
They are the the Bornean orangutan, the Malayan tiger and the Bornean pygmy elephant, symbolising its commitment to conserving biodiversity especially in the landscape of oil palm plantations.
The inaugural event was held in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) as strategic partners and carried the theme "The Other Malaysians: Living Together in Harmony".
MPOGCF chairman Datuk Md Zaidi Mohd Karli said the forum, also known as Bio-D Forum 2024, served as a vital meeting platform for conservation scientists and plantation sustainability professionals.
About 350 physical participants were in attendance and an additional 450 joined online, along with representatives from over 50 companies and more than 30 presenters.
"This forum is not only a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences but also an opportunity to foster collaborations and partnerships among individuals and organisations dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
"The agenda for Bio-D Forum 2024 is packed with insightful sessions spread across three days, covering a wide range of topics relevant to conservation science and practice," he said in his welcoming speech.
He noted the objectives of Bio-D Forum 2024 are clear namely to facilitate knowledge sharing, networking, and engagement among diverse stakeholders, to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and to showcase success stories and inspire action.
As a major player in land use and agricultural production in this country, the palm oil industry can mitigate its environmental footprint and contribute to the preservation of critical habitats and species by actively engaging in conservation efforts.
Conservation initiatives help to ensure palm oil cultivation is implemented in a sustainable manner that maintains ecosystem health, soil fertility, and water quality, thereby safeguarding the industry's future.
"The palm oil industry has a responsibility to respect the rights of local communities, protect their livelihoods, and preserve their cultural heritage. Conservation efforts can help foster positive relationships with communities and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.
"Finally, increasingly stringent regulations and certification standards require palm oil companies to demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social sustainability. By actively participating in conservation projects and initiatives, palm oil companies can ensure compliance with regulations and standards, thereby enhancing their reputation and market access," he added.
Bursa Malaysia group sustainability director Dr Ahmad Hezri Adnan kicked off the three-day forum with a keynote address.
It was followed by an official launch by the opening ceremony officiated by Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
In his speech, Johari stated that palm oil industry players can take the lead in the conservation of orangutan populations in the country.
The minister noted Malaysia needs to highlight to the global community that it is capable of striking a balance between fulfilling food security needs whilst safeguarding the environment as more of its trading partners are increasingly concerned about the impact of agricommodities on the climate.
Johari said by demonstrating a commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat protection and environmental stewardship, Malaysia will be viewed as a responsible and ethical producer of edible oils.
The forum also held a soft launch for a book published by MPOGCF and Perhilitan titled "Panduan Pengecaman Tapak Hidupan Liar".
The book serves as guidance and reference for smallholders and plantation managers on measures needed to manage wildlife in a plantation.
It is among the key elements in supporting the conservation efforts taken by MPOGCF and Perhilitan towards the country's biodiversity.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA chief executive Joseph Tek Choon Yee will deliver his keynote address on the second day which will focus on pressing issues in biodiversity conservation.
Sessions for the forum focused on sustainability, human wildlife coexistence, industry conservation efforts, education and awareness as well as policy and regulations.
Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions, participants will engage in interactive sessions, poster presentations, and networking events, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
A gala dinner event for the Biodiversity Forum 2024 will be held on the evening of May 8, to celebrate the achievements of the conservation community.
As part of the forum's side events, participants will have the opportunity to visit the National Elephant Conservation Centre in Kuala Gandah, Pahang and the Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre in Lanchang, Pahang, as well as participate in various activities such as tree planting and guided walks on May 9 this year.
The forum is held at Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, Pahang, from May 7-9.
Biodiversity Forum 2024 will also be broadcast live on the MPOGCF Facebook page.