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Research

Timber yield from second entry logging in the lowland mixed dipterocarp forest of Deramakot, Sabah Whilst timber production from fi rst entry logging in dipterocarp forests is well reported, there is relatively little published information on timber yields from logged forests. Such information is useful in providing an indication of the long-term sustainability of timber output from repeated logging. A study was carried out on timber yield from second entry logging in the lowland mixed dipterocarp forest of the Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah. Logging operations in Deramakot follow the standards prescribed in the Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) Guidelines for Sabah. To date, reduced impact logging has been carried out in 19 compartments in Deramakot, averaging about 513 ha in size. Timber yield from these compartments were analysed. The proportion of each compartment actually affected by logging operations was 27.8 %. Logging intensity averaged 8.6 trees ha-1, or roughly, 55 m3 ha-1. Salvaged timber yield was 5.2 m3 ha-1. These comprised those parts of the tree not extracted during the main timber extraction operations, such as short logs, hollow logs, butt ends, and large branches. The dipterocarps accounted for the largest proportion of merchantable timber yield from Deramakot: Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp) 28.7%, Red Seraya (Shorea spp.) 23.2%, and White Seraya (Parashorea spp.) 12.7%. Timber output from second entry logging in Deramakot was lower than those fi gures reported from logging operations using similar harvesting guidelines (RIL) in the primary forests of Sabah.

Inducement of resin formation in planted gaharu trees Resinous wood forms in Aquilaria spp. (gaharu) as a defense mechanism in response to wounding. Gaharu resin (aka ‘agarwood’) is of great commercial value. It is highly valued as incense, but recent studies have also found it to have medicinal values. Oil extracts can be made into perfumes. Key markets for agarwood are the Middle East, Japan, and Taiwan. Because gaharu resin is formed in response to some

Natural Forest Ecology and Management

Prof. Robert Blanchette and Joel Jurgens from the Univ. of Minnesota, USA, demonstrate the method that they developed for gaharu resin inducement. This method has proven successful in trials carried out in Cambodia, Bhutan, Vietnam and Thailand.

form of infection or wounding of the wood, perhaps only one in a hundred wild gaharu trees will have the valuable resinous wood. If planted trees can be induced to form the valuable resinous wood, this should put an end to the poaching of wild trees. In March 2007, the FRC embarked on a joint project with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), and the Malaysian Institute of Nuclear Technology, to test the effectiveness of artifi cially inducing the formation of gaharu resin using a method that was developed by the University of Minnesota. The inducement trials were carried out on 14-yr old planted Aquilaria trees at FRC’s experimental plantations in Sook, Keningau. Treated trees will be sampled for gaharu resin formation one year after inducement.

Forest restoration Forest restoration is high on the current agenda of the Forestry Department. Research is expected to play a key role in support of the Department’s efforts at restoring degraded forests. With RMK-9 funding from the Federal Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, the FRC was able to continue its current research on the restoration of peatswamp and kerangas forests. In addition, the FRC also initiated trials on the restoration of montane forests and ultramafi c forests. Research on forest restoration is headed by the Ecology Section. Studies related to forest restoration are summarized below:

• Restoration of peatswamp vegetation destroyed by fi re at Klias Peninsula

The Sabah Forestry Department continues to maintain the planting trials of selected tree species in the Klias Forest Reserve which was formerly funded by DANIDA. Currently, this research is funded by the federal Ministry of NRE for the next 4 years.

Two and a half years after planting, 60 % of the total seedlings planted survived. This equates to a remaining density of 650 seedlings per hectare. Based on the growth performance and survival of individual species planted, Dryobalanops beccarii, Alstonia spatulata, Hopea pentanervia and Lophopetalum multinervium show the most promise as suitable species for rehabilitation planting in the peatswamp forests. The successful establishment of planted seedlings was greatly hampered due to competition from secondary vegetation.

• Restoration of ultramafi c forest destroyed by fi re at Tawai Forest Reserve

A 2.4 ha research plot with a total 1260 individuals of 7 tree species was established along the Ruku Ruku River in the Tawai Forest Reserve, 16 km from Telupid. The objectives of the research are to establish a demonstration plot, and identify suitable indigenous species for the restoration of burnt ultramafi c forests. Seven tree species were selected based on their likely suitability and availability in suffi cient quantities, i.e. Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis), Sempilau bukit (Gymnostoma sumatrana), Pulai bukit (Alstonia angustiloba), Surian wangi (Toona sureni), Seraya banjutan (Shorea multifl ora), Selangan lima urat (Hopea pentanervia), and Nyatoh sidang (Palaquium

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rostratum). Since the plantings were established only in 2007, there is yet to be an evaluation of survival and growth performance.

• Restoration of montane forests A total of 308 individuals of 7 tree species were planted

in an area of 1 ha, close to SAFODA’s Pinus experimental plot at the Crocker Range Forest Reserve, about 45 km from Kota Kinabalu along the road leading to Tambunan. Formerly, this area was encroached by the adjacent local communities and cleared for agricultural development. The objectives of the research are to establish a demonstration plot, and identify suitable indigenous species for the restoration of degraded montane vegetation. Seven tree species were selected based on their likely suitability and availability in suffi cient quantities, i.e. Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis), Medang bangking (Litsea cubeba), Pulai bukit (Alstonia angustiloba), Surian wangi (Toona sureni), Seraya banjutan (Shorea multifl ora), Magas (Duabanga mollucana), and Menghilan (Agathis borneensis)

• Restoration of burnt vegetation on Coastal Sandstone Hill at Siaunggau FR, Weston

The drought-induced fi re in 1998 destroyed almost 90 % of the natural forest of the Siaunggau Forest Reserve. Today, Acacia dominates the fi re-affected area. In order to restore the native forest of Siaunggau, planting trials using Sempilau Laut (Gymnostoma sumatrana), Nyatoh Sidang (Palaquium leiocarpum), Banjutan (Shorea multifl ora), Seraya langgai (Shorea beccariana), Seraya Melantai (Shorea macroptera), Melapi Agama (Shorea agami), Selangan Lima Urat (Hopea pentanervia), and Kapur Merah (Dryobalanops beccarii) were established in the reserve over the last eight years. All species seem to be performing well, with Sempilau Laut showing the highest survival rate after 5 years (84 %).

Special Assignments & Activities

The formulation of forest rehabilitation plans for FMU 17A, Sg. Pinangah Forest Reserve The Silviculture Section completed forest rehabilitation plans for two forest concessions within the Sg. Pinangah Forest Reserve, covering about 1000 ha each (comprising Compartments 55, 56, 70, and 71, FMU 17A). These concessions were awarded to Lebihasil Sdn Bhd. and Maxland Sdn. Bhd. for the rehabilitation of degraded forests by the planting of a selected mixed fast-growing native timber trees. Offi cers involved in this assignment were Robert Ong, Januarius Gobilik, and Julsun Sikui.

Training course on seed orchard establishment and plus-tree selection

The Silviculture Section, together with the Seed Section and Tree Improvement Section, organized a training course on Plus-tree Selection and Seed Orchard Establishment. The course was conducted from 23rd to 25th October, 2007, in Sandakan. Twenty participants, including 10 from the private sector, took part in the 3-day course held in Sandakan. Mr. Wim Tolkamp of Alterra Institute, Netherlands, served as the main resource person for the course. This course was conducted as an activity under the ITTO-funded project, “The Establishment of Seed Orchards for Selected Indigenous Tree Species.” The Silviculture Section was assigned to plan and carry out forest restoration within the Mersuli Forest Reserve, near Lahad Datu. About 420 ha (or 70 %) of the Mersuli Forest Reserve has been encroached and illegally cultivated with agricultural crops. Site preparation began in April. As part of the restoration plan, 320 ha of oil palm were destroyed and 4.6 km of forest roads were repaired to allow access for restoration activities. A nursery was also set up to support planting efforts. By the end of December, about 10 ha had been planted up with a mix of 15 species. In 2008, a further 200 ha is expected to be planted. Funding for this project was provided by a USA-based organization called Land Empowerment Animals & People, as well as the Federal Government of Malaysia, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Study visit to Bali, Indonesia, 21-25 February, 2007 This study visit was organized under the auspices of Project PD 200/03 Rev. 4: The establishment of seed orchards for selected indigenous tree species in Sabah, Malaysia, and as part fulfi llment of Activity 1.1.4 (Study visit to projects of similar nature in the ASEAN region) of the Project Document. The visit to Bali was planned after consultation with Dr. Hiras Sibutar of ITTO, who suggested visiting an ITTO-funded project in Bali (i.e. PD 386/05: Technological development for the production of planting materials to support sustainable plantations of indigenous Bali species through community participation). This project is being implemented by the Bali Provincial Forestry Service in collaboration with Directorate General of Land Rehabilitation and Social Forestry, Indonesian Ministry of Forestry. The Bali project has somewhat similar objectives as the Sabah Project, and therefore a visit was considered relevant. The aim of the visit was to see and learn from our counterparts in Bali and to exchange ideas on project implementation, particularly with regard to:-• seed orchard development, • planting material production, • strategies for involving local communities in large scale

tree planting programmes, and

Twenty participants attended the course on “Plus Tree Selection & Seed Orchard Establishment” held on 23–25 October, 2007, in Sandakan.

Sabah Forestry Department offi cers pose for a group photo with Indonesian offi cials at the Bali Provincial Forestry Offi ce. Nine offi cers from the Sabah Forestry Department, headed by Robert Ong, participated on the trip.

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• agroforestry systems applied. The Bali Project had been running for about 4 years now and had much experience to share.

Vegetation assessment and classification of the Lower Kinabatangan The Sabah Forestry Department was commissioned by WWF Malaysia to conduct a vegetation quality assessment and classification for the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain (LKF) under its Kinabatangan Landscape Conservation Initiative Project. The idea behind this work was to identify priority areas for forest restoration efforts. The survey was conducted in 2 phases, the first phase was carried out between September and November 2006, with the final phase over a week in February, 2007. In order to classify the vegetation of the area, the forests were evaluated based on forest structure and the tree species composition, covering a 80 km span of the Kinabatangan river. A total of 54 transects were laid, representing a sampled area of about 73 ha. A total of 13,300 trees ≥ 10 cm dbh were recorded. The natural vegetation could be differentiated and described by edaphic factors, competition, flood tolerance and light requirement along an ever shifting physical gradient, which was subjected to perturbative events such as log extraction, shifting cultivation and settlement areas, and forest conversion to agricultural cultivation. Overall, the forested areas comprised largely secondary forests, in various successional stages with

negligible remnants of the old growth natural forest left. The vegetation of Lower Kinabatangan was categorized into 3 broad classes, i.e. natural vegetation, secondary vegetation and cultivated area. The forest classification was based on forest quality and forest formations. From this exercise, the different areas were rated in terms of their need for restoration. The vegetation assessment included only areas within the gazetted Wildlife Sanctuary, although it was clear that a broader landscape perspective was necessary (i.e. restoring forests outside the Sanctuary) in restoring forest to ensure greater forest contiguity for wildlife movement. Only about 5 % of the Sanctuary can be classified as old growth or mature phase forest, whereas the remaining forests are all at some stage of secondary succession.

Continuous forest inventory in the Deramakot Forest ReserveThe Silviculture Section headed the setting up of a continuous forest inventory system for Deramakot. This system involves the establishment of “permanent inventory strips” for each compartment. These strips are measured periodically (every 5 years) in order to monitor forest growth and validate growth projections that were made in the calculation of the annual allowable cut (AAC). During the year, permanent inventory strips were established for 14 compartments.

Fig. 1. Map showing the expanse of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary on the lower Kinabatangan floodplain.

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Tree Phenological Observations

Year 2007 observed some intense localized masting of dipterocarp species. Most of the observations indicated a general spread from the South-east coast, to the interior and east coast of Sabah. Early fruit set of some species such as Dryobalanops lanceolata (Kapur paji) and Parashorea smythiesii (Urat mata batu) was observed, with mature fruits in July. Flowering started between April – May, with many species aborting their flowers. A further reflowering of many of the dipterocarp species was seen between July-September. The onset of fruit maturation was observed between August till December. Ripe fruits of non-dipterocarps species of importance to wildlife, notably Pelajau, Ranggu and Sentang were available in July from a number of locations. Table 24.1 shows the record of flowering and fruiting events observed in 2007.

International Research Collaboration Projects

Mechanisms of coexistence and maintenance of species diversity in tropical forests: the paradox of generalist speciesResearcher (Local counterpart): Ms Julia Born (Reuben Nilus) - A collaborative study with the University of Zurich

Region District Species Vernacular FamilyFlowering(Month)

Fruiting(Month)

East Coast

TelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidTelupidKota KinabatanganKota KinabatanganKota KinabatanganKota KinabatanganKota Kinabatangan

Dryobalanops beccariiParashorea tomentellaParashorea malaanonanShorea sp.DipterocarpusParashorea malaanonanDryobalanops beccariiShorea accuminatissimaShorea parvifoliaParashorea tomentellaParashorea smythiesiiDryobalanops lanceolataDipterocarpus sp.Shorea sp.Mitragyna speciosa

Kapur merahUrat mata beluduUrat mata daun licinSelangan batu KeruingUrat mata daun licinKapur merahSeraya kuning runcingSeraya punaiUrat mata beluduUrat mata batuKapur pajiKeruing Mixed Seraya speciesSepat

DipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeRubiaceae

May - JuneMay - JuneMay - JuneMay - JuneJune - JulyJune - JulyMay - JuneJune - JulyMay - JuneMay - June

AprilApril

May - JuneMay - June

April

September - OctoberSeptember - OctoberSeptember - OctoberSeptember - OctoberOctober - DecemberOctober - DecemberSeptember - OctoberOctober - DecemberSeptember - OctoberSeptember - October

JulyJuly

September - OctoberSeptember - December

July

Interior

Deramakot-TongodDeramakot-TongodDeramakot TongodKalabakan-TibowKalabakan-TibowKalabakan-TibowKalabakan-TibowKalabakan-TibowKalabakan-TibowKalabakan Kalabakan Kalabakan Kalabakan Kalabakan Kalabakan

Dryobalanops beccariiDipterocarpus sp.Kokoona sp.Shorea spp.Parashorea smythiesiiShorea leprosulaShorea parvifoliaShorea sp.Shorea beccarianaAzadirachta excelsaParashorea smythiesiiShorea spp.Dryobalanops lanceolataShorea leprosulaShorea parvifoliaShorea pinanga

Kapur merahKeruing PerupokMixed Seraya speciesUrat mata batuSeraya tembagaSeraya punaiMelapiSeraya langgaiSentangUrat mata batu Mixed Seraya speciesKapur pajiSeraya tembagaSeraya punaiKawang pinang

DipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeCelastraceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeMeliaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceae

May - JuneMay - June

AprilJune - JulyMay - JuneJune -JulyJune - JulyJune - JulyJun - July

AprilMay - JuneApril - JulyApril - MayApril - MayApril - MayApril - May

September - OctoberSeptember - October

JulySeptember - DecemberSeptember - OctoberOctober - NovemberOctober - NovemberOctober - NovemberOctober - November

JulySeptember - OctoberAugust - DecemberAugust - SeptemberAugust - SeptemberAugust - SeptemberAugust - September

South-east

KunakKunakKunakKunak

Shorea sp.Shorea argentifoliaPentaspadon motleyiKoordersiodendron pinnatum

Seraya Seraya daun masPelajauRanggu

DipterocarpaceaeDipterocarpaceaeAnacardiaceaeAnacardiacea

April - MayApril - May

AprilApril

August - SeptemberAugust - September

JulyJuly

was conducted at Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, which was initiated on September 2006, as part of a PhD study by Julia Born. The overall objective is to understand the mechanisms by which soil generalist tree species can coexist with closely related soil specialists within the same local environment. Thereby explaining how the interaction between biotic factors and abiotic factors (light and soil type) influences species differential distribution in relation to soil.

Local community participation in the tourism industry in the Lower KinabatanganResearcher (Local counterpart): Ms Charlotte Fletcher (Robert Ong) - This is a collaboration with Lincoln University, New Zealand, and the University of Vienna, Austria. The study aims to assess the level of local community involvement in the tourism industry in the Lower Kinabatangan, particularly in regard to livelihood. The success of homestay programmes for two villages was given emphasis. The study involved interviews and the filling up of questionnaires by tour operators, lodge owners, and selected members of the local communities concerned. Planning and field work for the study was completed over a 4-month period running from April to August.

Table 24.1 : Record of flowering and fruiting events observed in 2007.

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Sepilok Arboretum

Daily routine / ActivitiesRoutine works maintenance (cleaning/clearing, slashing, grass cutting, etc.) surrounding the main facilities of Sepilok Arboretum and the Arboretum boundary continued. These areas include Sepilok Arboretum Field Office, RDC trail & Garden, Orchid garden, trail network of the Arboretum, and trail to Canopy Walkway. Routine work at the garden includes weeding, watering, fertilizing, plant replacement, pest & diseases studies and plants maintenance. The maintenance activities of mangroves nursery (established 2006), includes eradication of mangroves ferns within the nursery site, weeding, replacing/transplanting of mangroves seedling. An additional mangrove nursery (approximately 0.08 ha) was established in February 2007 to cater for the increasing demand for mangroves seedlings for restoration and replanting purposes. Fencing of the mangrove nursery was completed in the middle of 2007. Other activities of this nursery included the supply of mangroves seedlings for basic research and educational purposes.

RMK9 Biayaan Kerajaan Persekutuan (Pembangunan Kawasan Pemeliharaan Hutan)This federal government project is under the supervision of Dr. Robert C. Ong. Systematic arrangement of the garden is in place. The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and the Forestry gallery are now open for visitors. Construction of the Canopy walkway in the vicinity of Sepilok Arboretum is in progress. The third canopy tower is under construction and expected to be completed by early 2008. The grand Opening Ceremony of RDC was successfully launched by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia in August 2007.

Research activities - Field Works / Out-stations / VisitsThere were several out-station and field works (research work related to mangroves) in the year 2007 mainly in Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Tuaran, Putatan and Kota Kinabalu. Studies involved were mangroves vegetation survey, mangroves regeneration survey and collection of propagules/seeds for the mangroves nursery. Research Assistants involved in the mangroves project were Soinin Satman, Jamiss Aribin, Dauni Seligi and other Sectional staff. The mangrove forest reserves in Sabah cover the oldest palm vegetation of the world, Nypa fruticans (locally known as Nipah). There is a need to estimate the total coverage/area of nipah forests in Sabah. This activity will be the next assignment for this Section in 2008.

New boat provided by FRM Division, to support routine tasks in the nursery and also for carrying out inventory work at Sibyte FR.

Scenic view of nipah forest at Trusan Kinabatangan mangroves

Proboscis monkey sitting comfortably on branches of Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. (locally known as Perepat Laut), located along Sg. Merah, a tributary of the larger Kinabatangan River.

Environmental Education Unit

The most important event of the year was the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) official opening by the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Panglima Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. This auspicious accasion was indeed a grand event with more than 800 guests celebrating it with us. On environmental education programme, the number of school groups continued to increase from the previous year and we conducted two EERaces (Teachers’ course in environmental education). We also participated in three major exhibitions, firstly during the launching of the Sabah’s Mangrove Forests book, secondly, in the International Conference on Nature Conservation in Sabah (ICONCIS) and thirdly, at the opening of the Lok Kawi Intergrated Forestry Complex. In June, RDC participated in the Forest Research Centre (FRC) Open Day. Among the attractions at RDC were tree climbing, paddle-boat rides, the Plant Discovery Garden and the Rainforest Discovery Trail.

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EE Programme for students This year, a total of 49 student groups, with a total of 3,963 students participated in our EE programmes. Most of these programmes were conducted at the RDC and some at the Mangrove Discovery Centre, Sepilok Laut. Others were held in schools. September was the busiest month with 9 school groups and 7 special interest groups.

The EERace: Teachers’ Course in Environmental EducationTwo EERaces were held this year. The first one was in March for Secondary school teachers and the second, in August for the primary school teachers. A total of 37 teachers were trained through the EERace this year. Teachers responded positively regarding the amount of knowledge they obtained through this course. The EERace format which follows the ‘Amazing Race’ concept makes learning about the environment interesting, adventurous and full of surprises for the teachers. We also co-organised and hosted the Second Seminar in Environmental Education for Practitioners (SEEP II) in November where about thirty participants from various government, non-government, private sectors and teachers attended.

Total number of participants in EE programmes

Teachers training courses (1997 - 2007)

Total (1997-2007) = 13,361 participants (students)

Total (1998-2007) = 670 teachers

Sepilok Junior Rangers The main event for these young rangers this year was an environmental performance in front of the Honourable Prime Minister and more than 800 guests during the official opening of the Rainforest Discovery Centre on the 10th of August. They performed two songs entitled ‘Water for life’ and ‘Voice of the forest’. The second song was sung together with a local musician, Amir Yusof. Another important event for them was the participation of 11 junior rangers in the International

Conference on Nature Conservation in Sabah (ICONCIS). Their main tasks were conducting environmental education activities for children and promoting the exhibition to shoppers at Centre Point in Kota Kinabalu. At RDC, their regular activities were grass composting, environmental education activities and clean up in and around RDC.

World Environment Day (WED) 2007This year, 37 students aged 15 to 17 from Sandakan district commemorated world environment day with us in a 4 day 3 nights camp. The student camp on climate change was held at the Mangrove Discovery Centre, Sepilok Laut. Among others, students learnt about the importance of mangrove in stabilising local climate and

the effects of Global Warming and how we can play our part locally in reducing it. They also visited three fishing villages to experience about lives of the fishermen there.

JOCV at RDCMs Sayaka Suzuki ended her assignment as Japanese volunteer (JOCV) in August this year. She was attached to RDC since May 2005. Among her contributions to RDC were establishing links between Japanese groups and RDC which resulted in several Japanese groups coming over for educational visits. She also introduced various new education worksheets and games, and promoted transfer of knowledge between RDC and KEEP (Kiyosato Environmental Experiment Project) by organising a short environmental education training course in Japan for Ms Phylesia Jill Rama, an RDC staff.

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EEP for Kindergarden (Clockwise from left) At RDC, staffs are trained to interact with children of all ages in order to make their learning experience a memorable one; For kindergarten children, it’s important to let them touch and feel to learn better in the environment; Games, coupled with staff enthusiasm makes learning fun for these young children; and game such as ‘Cooperative animals’ is a good way to make children participate in the environmental learning experience.

EEP for Primary School (Clockwise from left) This activity is called the ‘Senses trail’. It encourages students to use their 5 senses to explore and discover the rainforest around them; The ‘Predator-Prey’ is an interesting simulation game to make students understand about food chain in a forest eco-system; As part of an EE programme, primary school students complete the ‘Rainforest riddles’ in the exhibition hall to guide them in getting the most out of the exhibition materials; and entertaining request from schools to conduct EE programme. In this picture, an RDC staff shows the St. Mary’s Labuk students how the dipterocarp fruit is dispersed from the mother tree.

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EEP for Secondary School (Clockwise from above) Some of these students from a city school are walking in the forest first time. Almost everything they encounter creates an interest in them; There are a lot to experience and learn at the Plant Discovery Garden at RDC. Eating figs might be the first time for some of these students; If you haven’t seen a venus fly trap before, come to the Plant Discovery Garden at RDC; and discussion at the end of an environmental education programme help students recall what they have learnt for that day and assist us to evaluate the immediate benefits of the programme to them.

Community Involvement Programme - Sepilok Junior Rangers (Clockwise from top left) Sepilok Junior Rangers performing an environmental song together with Amir Yusof during the RDC opening by the Prime Minister on the 10th August 2007; During the exhibition in conjunction with the International Conference on Nature in Sabah (ICONSIS), they facilitated the children and public activities; At the Recycling station during the FRC Open Day in June; Listening to a briefing on Orangutan rehabilitation by Mr. Bede of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre; and Paper-making activity helps these Junior Rangers understand the importance of using paper wisely whenever posible.

Grass composting is a regular activity of the Sepilok Junior Rangers, used to fertilise plants at the Plant Discovery Garden

240 240

EERace: A teacher’s course in environmental education1. Kampung Baru in the Sandakan Harbour is one of 5 sites

for the assignments on community. These teachers are getting information from the Ketua Kampung;

2. This teacher learn about orangutan rehabilitation processes;

3. This group at the IOI Sakilan Desa Palm Oil Plant;4. Teachers in this group prepares mangrove shoots for the

proboscis monkeys to feed on at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary;

5. This group’s assignment at the Timatch Water Treatment Plant in Kinabatangan was to learn how water was treated until it reachers our homes for consumption;

6. A group is getting ready to leave for Berhala Island to complete their assignment on island vegetation, led by its resource person, Januarius Gobilik;

7. A group at Cymao Plywood is briefed on the different plywood products to learn about plywood as part of a forest product;

8. FRC Botanist John Sugau, as resource person leads a group of teachers into the lowland dipterocarp forest of Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.

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Other pictures - (Left to right) US Ambassador, Mr James Keith with Datuk Sam during his visit to the RDC; A Farewell to Ms Sayaka Suzuki (middle) as she left for Japan in July; and Ms Fumi Ebisawa (far left), a short-term attachment student from Japan spent 3 weeks with RDC to learn about forestry in Sabah.

1 2 3

4 5 6

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Date Events

Feb 11th: EE Programme for Pathfinder & Adventure Cheetah Club. (30 kids, 10 adults).

16th: EE Programme for Rakuna Gakuen University, Japan. (10 students, 1 teacher).

March 03rd: EE Programme for University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). (36 students, 1 lecturer).

06th: EE Programme for Tabika Kemas Sepilok at Orang-utan Centre (27 students, 2 teachers)

10rd: EE Programme for University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). (40 students, 1 lecturer).

11th: EE Programme for SMK Elopura Bestari. (40 students, 6 teachers).

April 13th: EE Programme for SMK Sandakan. (20 students, 1 teacher).

14th: EE Programme for SMK Agama Sandakan. (50 students, 4 teachers).

17th: EE Programme for SM St. Michael. (65 students, 2 teachers).

18th: EE Programme for SM St. Michael. (57 students, 2 teachers).

19th: EE Programme for SM St. Michael. (55 students, 2 teachers).

27th: EE Programme for SMK Libaran. (20 students, 4 teachers).

May 17th: EE Programme for Little Play School Kindergarten. (60 kids, 20 adults).

19th: EE Programme for SK Taman Rimba. (100 students, 10 teachers).

24th: EE Programme for SK Taman Rimba. Recycling Talk at the school. (800 students, 10 teachers).

June 2nd: World Environment Day Camp at Mangrove Discovery Centre (37 students, 5 teachers)

23rd: EE Programme for SK Taman Rimba, Unit beruniform (80 students, 10 teachers ).

26th: EE Programme for SK St.Mary’s Labuk. Talk and exhibition at school. (240 students, 14 teachers).

July 07th: EE Programme for SM Teknik Sandakan. (60 students, 10 teachers).

07th: EE Programme for SMK St.Cecilia (20 students, 4 teachers)

15th: EE Programme for Japanese students conducts through Jungle Treks. (11students, 3 teachers).

27 -29th : EE Programme for Tabika Kemas Sepilok at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah Museum & KK Wetlands Centre (28 students, 28

parents & 2 teachers)

28th: EE Programme for SMK Elopura ( 20 students, 10 teachers)

31st: EE Programme for Tabika Sung Siew (147 students, 7 teachers & 37 parents)

August 15th & 22nd: Organised a series of activity on Treasure Hunt for trainees from Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN). (148 trainee,

25 fasilitator)

16th: EE Programme for students from State Level English Camp. (65 students, 20 teachers).

17th: EE Programme for SMK Muhibbah. (53 students, 1 teacher)

19th: EE Programme for Tourism students. (36 students, 6 teachers).

21st: EE Programme for SMK Perempuan Likas. (18 students, 4 teachers)

22nd: EE Programme for Australia International School, KL. (40 students, 3 teachers)

25th: EE Programme for SMK Sandakan II. (43 students, 4 teachers).

29th: EE Programme for SMK Muhibbah, special students. (40 students, 10 teachers).

September 2nd: EE Programme for Tabika Kemas Kg. Tinosa 2. (100 children, 5 teachers, 50 parents).

5th: EE Programme for SMK Muhibbah. (40 students, 10 teachers).

8th: EE Programme for Sabah Family Planning Association. (40 students, 10 teachers).

13th: EE Programme for Che Siang Khor Association. (80ppl).

15th: EE Programme for SRJK Chung Hwa Kota Bharu, Kelantan. (80ppl)

30th: EE Programme from UMS students. (150 students, 1 lecturer).

24th: EE Programme for SMK St. Cecilia (1st group: 104 students, 4 teachers)

25th: EE Programme for SMK St. Cecilia (2nd group: 105 students, 4 teachers)

27th: EE Programme for SK St. Mary’s Labuk. (240 students, 14 teachers)

November 5th : EE Programme for SMK Muhibbah (40 students, 10 teachers)

6th: EE Programme for Tabika Kemas Gum Gum (30 students, 30 parents).

6th: EE Programme for SK Segaliud. (33 students, 7 teachers).

7th: EE Programme for SK St. Mary’s Convent. (108 students, 10 teachers).

8th: EE Programme for SMK Muhibbah (Chinese language). (40 students, 2 teachers).

9th: EE Programme for SRJK (C) Chi Hwa. (232 students, 24 teachers).

December 18th: EE Programme for Rakan Muda Club. (45 students)

Table 24.2: Students Environmental Education Programme

242

Research & Development

242

Date Events

March 28th: Educational visit from the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board

April 21st: Recycling and cleaning up of Taman Merpati in collaboration with Ministry of Youth and Culture.

May 4th : Educational programme for WWF-Habitat Group at RDC (18 participants)

July 17th: EE prospecting visit by a Japanese tour company.18th:EE prospecting visit by Exotica Adventure from Japan 19th: Courtesy visit from the JOCV co-ordinator for Malaysia

August 18th: Educational visit from Japanese teachers (15ppl)

September 8th: Educational visit from Kementerian Pelajaran. (40ppl)8th: EE Programme for Tractor Malaysia Sandakan. Trekking to Sepilok Laut. (25 ppl)12th: Educational visit from Duchess of Kent Hospital staff (20ppl)13th: Educational visit from Che Siang Khor Association. (80ppl).16th: Educational visit from Kementerian Perusahaan Perladangan dan Komoditi20th: Charity work from SMK Sandakan. Cleaning Tabika Kemas School. (20 students, 1 teachers)25th: Courtesy visit from the CEO of HSBC. (3 ppl)

November 28th Nov – 3rd Dec: Sepilok Junior Rangers participate in ICONCIS

December 6th: EE Programme for Christian Teachers from Sabah District. (40ppl)13th: EE Programme for St. Michael Church (Youth camp). (306 ppl)

Date Events

January 22nd – 26th : EERace Simulation III, West Coast (24 primary school teachers)

March 26th – 30th : EERace I (24 primary school teachers)

October 29th Oct – 3rd Nov: EERace II (13 secondary school teachers)

November 13th - 17th : Seminar on Environmental Education for Practitioners, SEEP II (25 participants, 17 presenters)

Table 24.3: Special interest group programme

Table 24.4: EERace: Teacher’s training in Environmental Education

Plant Diversity Programme

This is a national collaborative project between the Sabah and Sarawak Forestry Departments and Forest Research

Institute of Malaysia, which commenced in 1992. The objectives of the project are to document and update taxonomic status of all tree species that occur in Sabah and Sarawak as well as to upgrade local expertise in plant taxonomic reserach. By the end of 2004, five (5) volumes of flora (Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak) containing 68 families were published. The fifth volume was published in 2004, which contains four important families (Apocynaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Symplocaceae and Thymelaeaceae) comprising 28 genera and 373 species (7 species or 1.8 % are new to science). So far the project has recorded 1, 545 species and 250 genera from Borneo. Of these, 360 species are endemic to Borneo. Botanists involved in the project are John B. Sugau (Theaceae), Joan T. Pereira (Rothmannia, Rubiaceae) and Suzana Sabran (Wendlandia-Rubiaceae). • Botanical Research & Herbarium Management System

(BRAHMS) BRAHMS is an information system for managing botanical

and herbarium data. Data entry of herbarium specimens commenced on 20th Jan 1998, following format used by FRIM. To speed up the data entry, three personnel were engaged. They are paid by the stated funded project, ‘Penubuhan Rangkaian Pangkalan data Biodiversiti Sabah’. Up to the end of 2007, 62,319 records have been imported into BRAHMS database proper. Meanwhile, 53,037 new records, mostly Sabah collections were

entered into BRAHMS-RDE file. Data entry to BRAHMS-RDE is in progress.

• Fern Flora Project This is a collaborative project between The Forest Research

Center and Universiti Malaysia Sabah. The objective of the project is to document fern flora of Sabah as there has been no comprehensive research and documentation of fern flora in Sabah before. The leader of the project is Dr. Idris Md Said of UMS and funds were secured by UMS from different sources. The collaborative officer at SAN is Ms. Andi Maryani, assisted by Mr. Markus Gumbilil. The project commenced in July 2004, and is on going.

• Collection And Identification Of Orchid Specimens For Sandakan And Sabah Parks Herbaria

This project is to collect orchid specimens and up date the identification of orchid collection in Sabah, mainly specimens at the Sandakan Herbarium and Sabah Parks Herbarium. This will eventually contribute to the development of database for orchids of Sabah and documentation of orchid flora in the series of Orchids of Borneo. Identification work has been assigned to Mr. Anthony Lamb, a Horticultural and Botanical Advisor with the grant of RM 8,000.00 from the Sabah Biodiversity Centre to cover his expenses to check and update the identification of orchid specimens at SAN. A. Lamb had identified 320 specimens for the year 2007. The project commenced since 2003.