ulu segama-malua sustainable forest management …. iii. ulu se… · · 2016-10-08into an...

176

Special Features

The project area covers an area of 241,098 ha, comprising the following classes of forest reserves:

Both the Ulu Segama and Malua Forest reserves are licensed to Benta Wawasan under license No. JP(TKA) 122/96 (CON) and Yayasan Sabah under license No. SFMLA 09/97 respectively. Timber harvesting continues until this is phased out completely by 31st Dec 2007 to pave the way for full SFM.

The District Forestry Office of Ulu Segama-Malua is the 27th Forestry District in Sabah, which was officially formed in

March 2006, after the State government launched the USM-SFM project on 15th March 2006. This project is named as Ulu Segama-Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project or USM-SFMP. This is a joint Sustainable Forestry Management (SFM) project between the Forestry Department (FD) and the Sabah Foundation in which, the FD leads the management of the whole project area. A main committee was formed under the chairmanship of the Director of Forestry, which holds its meeting every month to steer the planning and implementation of the work plan effectively. A few other committees were subsequently formed at the divisional and district level such as the Forest Management Task Committee, Forest Restoration Committee and Protection Committee. These committees are represented by stake holders, such as: the WWF Malaysia, Hutan, Sabah Wildlife Dept., PACOS and other NGOs. With their support and input, the Sabah Forestry Department managed to complete the preparation of the 1st Forest Management Plan (FMP) within 11⁄2 years, which was approved for implementation for the period 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017. Through out the planning period, all forestry activities are to be carried out in accordance with the principles of SFM.

Ulu Segama-Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project

2007 Achievements

Name of Forest Reserve

Class Area (ha)

SapagayaMaluaUlu SegamaSepagayaMerisuliKawag Gibong

I (Protection)II (Commercial)II (Commercial)

VI (VJR)VI (VJR)VI (VJR)

69833,969

202,8562,316

552707

Total 241,098

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Logs stock in Malua F.R after harvesting was completely stopped by 31st Dec 2007

ObjectivesThe following management objectives of the USM-SFMP were drawn out in line with sustainable forest management principles and to meet the target of certifying the project area by 2009 as a “well managed forest for conservation” under the FSC.i. To restore production of high value timber and maintaining

a high degree of species and structural diversity;ii. To carry out silvicultural treatment in areas where sufficient

natural regeneration and potential commercial species are present for the purpose of liberation and enhancement of their growth performance;

iii. To rehabilitate degraded areas where stand stocking are absent or inadequate by planting indigenous species;

iv. To integrate all forest operational activities within the concept of conservation and protection so as to reduce the impact to the environment from fire and encroachments by third parties;

v. To maintain ecosystem diversity at all levels for wildlife habitats, education, research and eco-tourism purposes; and

vi. To maintain and enhance High Conservation Value Forest (HCVFs) sites.

StaffThere are 55 staff posted to the Forestry District USM. A total of 24 (43%) forest workers are employed under contract basis which are paid under a trust fund.

Field Activities• Silviculture The objective of silviculture treatment is to improve the

forest structure and enhance the growth of the commercial regeneration and potential crop trees by removing overtopping and unwanted competitors. YS has entered into an agreement with Plus Greenworld Sdn. Bhd. to treat 4,000 ha yearly with a rate of RM350 per hectare. The first area of 4,000ha was assigned within the ex-coupe of BW 07/01 (Ulu Segama Forest Reserve). However, the actual achievement is only 3,978 ha or 99.45 %, covering compartments 242, 259, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 272, 273, 274 and 277.

The contractor’s field work is monitored and supervised both by the Silviculture Unit of DFO/USM and staff of Yayasan Sabah. A joint report is the basis document of certification before payment can be processed. Fig.1 and 2 show activities of climber cutting. The map on Fig.3 shows the compartments treated in 2007.

Fig. 3: Compartments treated for Silviculture in 2007

Fig. 1: An example of climber cutting activity to release and improve growth of PCTs

Fig. 2: Forest condition after 3 months of climber cutting


178

Special Features

Forest RestorationThe objective of forest restoration is to rehabilitate degraded areas where stand stocking are absent or inadequate by planting fast growing indigenous or dipterocarps species for future timber production and to enhance wildlife habitat, especially orang utan habitats. In 2007, the largest area planned for forest restoration was 500 ha, within compartments 105 & 107 of Northern Ulu Segama Forest Reserve. However, only 348 ha had been achieved since planting only started in June and this was attributed to the inadequate supply of planting materials. There are two recommended ways to implement the forest restoration activities.

Forest Reserve # Compt Area (Ha) Contractor Funded by

Ulu SegamaUlu SegamaVJR MerisuliNortern Ulu Segama

188109121

105, 107

372210

348

Kontraktor MalaysiaWWF(Malaysia)Kontraktor MalaysiaKontraktor Malaysia

The Govt. of the United State of AmericaWWF (Malaysia)ARCUS FoundationSabah Foundation

Infapro area – An example of area being silviculturally treated/under enrichment planting

Firstly is the rehabilitation and enhancement of wildlife habitats in areas zoned for conservation. This involves intensive mix-planting of pioneer species, dipterocarp species, other indigenous species and endemic fruit seedlings. This can be a combination of single line planting of pioneer or fruit seedlings in open areas and cluster 3 planting of dipterocarps or other indigenous species under shade cover. Secondly, the area for timber production, whereby the main goal is to restore with high value timber and this should be economically viable for future harvesting with a short cutting circle. Species recommended are fast growing pioneer species, such as laran, binuang, magas, talisai and others. Table below shows the area planted by Kontraktor Malaysia and WWF(Malaysia) totaling 408 ha.

Infapro area – An example of area being silviculturally treated/under enrichment planting

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Wildlife and Eco-tourismActivities for both the wildlife and eco-tourism components focused more on collecting data, monitoring and protecting against poaching. 5 wildlife expeditions were completed in 2007 in collaboration with staff of Yayasan Sabah, Hutan, WWF(Malaysia) and the Sabah Wildlife Department. This team came up with a comprehensive wildlife report, which is vital information for the preparation of the Forest Management Plan. The result includes a map showing orang utan population densities within the Ulu Segama Malua SFM Project area, as shown in map below.

Forest restoration at northern Ulu Segama with indigenous species

Restoration site meeting at Merisuli with YS, WWF, FRC offi cers and Kontraktor Malaysia

Kapur seedlings at Merisuli nursery

105107


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Special Features

Location Compt.#

Details

Malua FR 77 9 people arrested and prosecuted5 kg of gaharu forfeited

VJR Merisuli 121 2 people arrested and prosecuted2 units of 4WD forfeited

Ulu Segama FR 181 2 people arrested and prosecuted1 chainsaw forfeited225 bantalans disposed.

Ulu Segama FR 130 3 people arrested and prosecuted1 chainsaw forfeited300 bantalans disposed.

Ulu Segama FR 102 1 person arrested and prosecuted820 bantalans disposed.

Ulu Segama FR 156 4 people arrested

Ulu Segama FR 112 12 ha of illegal oil palm destroyed

VJR Merisuli 121 320 ha of illegal oil palm destroyed

Sapagaya (Cls I) 230 3,500 m external boundary demarcated

Entire project area

- Aerial surveillance conducted 12 times

The expedition also discovered an 80 meter high waterfall at the boundary of Compartment 45 and 48 in Malua Forest Reserve. It has the potential to be developed for eco-tourism.

Resource ProtectionOne of the greatest challenges the USM management team faced, in managing the entire project area is to ensure the security of the resources against illegal felling especially at the riverine area, poaching, gaharu thieves, and encroachments for oil palm cultivation. There were several cases of illegal fellings and poaching encountered in 2007. They have all been investigated the accused and prosecuted before the Magistrate’s Court in Lahad Datu. The enforcement activities cover land, rivers, destruction of oil palm, aerial surveillance, boundary demarcation, installation of sign boards and plates. Several dialogues were conducted with the kampong people, who are living adjacent to the project area. This is an attempt to make them aware of the importance of the USM-SFMP programs. A protection committee was also set up at the district level to boost the effort of prevention measures.

The results of forest resource protection in 2007 within Ulu Segama Malua SFM project area

An 80 meters high waterfall discovered by the Wildlife Expedition team in 2007 located at boundary of Compartment 45 and 48

The significant achievements of the protection unit included: destruction of illegal oil palm cultivation in northern Ulu Segama Forest Reserve (12 ha) and VJR Merisuli (320 ha). Table below shows the statistics of action taken.

(Clockwise from top) A clouded leopard was shot by poachers at the Infapro area (Ulu Segama Forest Reserve) on the 29th Nov 2007. Photo taken by Mr.Wong Siew Tie, a researcher on Sunbears; a sun bear was injured, probably caught by traps set up by poachers, in Danum Valley on the 3rd Oct 2007; 5 poachers were arrested in Ulu Segama Forest Reserve on the 14th Nov 2007.

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Infrastructure The office and quarters complex of USM-SFMP is located in compartment 188 (Ulu Segama Forest Reserve). The construction started in May 2007 and was 95% completed at the end of December 2007. The total cost is RM 2.8 million, which is paid under the 9th Malaysia Plan (State Government) budget. This complex was constructed by Inikaya Sdn. Bhd. under the supervision of Kumpulan Konsultant Sdn. Bhd. The concept of this building is based on “design and build” using concrete and metal. With these materials there is no risk of termite attacks. The complex comprised of 1 x office building, 1 x rest house, 1 x DFO quarters, 1 x labour quarters, 1 x water pump house, 1 x genset house and 1 x water treatment plant.

Illegal oil palm (320 ha) in VJR Merisuli was completely destroyed by September 2007. The activity was funded by the Arcus Foundation.

The WWF (Malaysia) was allowed to construct a Field Centre in Compartment 110, Northern Ulu Segama Forest Reserve with its own funds. This station is used to accommodate WWF’s staff permanently and also for their researchers. Besides restoration, they are also conducting wildlife and orang utan population surveys and other related monitoring activities. The FD has set aside an area of 2,417ha in the Northern Ulu Segama to WWF (Malaysia) solely to be restored by planting Dipterocarps and fast growing indigenous species and fruit trees without incurring any cost to the department. This is based on the understanding that WWF (Malaysia) has shown their genuine commitment of supporting the Forestry Department in implementing the SFM policy.

(Left) A 3 km road in VJR Merisuli, (inset) signboard was put up by WWF (Malaysia) under their own initiative (NUS); (above) field centre of WWF (Malaysia) in compartment 10


182

Special Features

Preparation of Comprehensive Harvesting Plan (CHP) and Reduced Impact Logging in Malua Forest Reserve. The total area of Malua Forest Reserve is 33,969 ha and this area is licensed to Yayasan Sabah for harvesting, when the project area was proposed to be managed under SFM. The net area to be prepared for CHP was 27,326 ha which is divided into 73 compartments. This area was decided to be logged within one year and CHP has to be prepared urgently and professionally within the same year so logging can be phased out by 31st Dec 2007. To ensure that the CHP and RIL guidelines are complied with, a technical FD-YS RIL Committee was established. This committee guided the planning and harvest operation according to the work plan. The area was assigned to three harvesting companies, that is, Hormat Jadi Sdn Berhad with 14,618 ha, Onbumi Sdn. Bhd. with 9,972.00 ha and Asiastic Lumber Sdn. Bhd. with 2,125 ha. The CHPs were prepared by three CHP contractors, which are strictly supervised and monitored by experts of the Forestry Department and Yayasan Sabah. The three contractors involved in the CHP preparation were Talantang Gemilang, Troplant Sdn. Bhd. and Green Environmental Consultant. There were 70 forestry staff involved in the supervisory works and 140 workers of the CHP contractors, mostly trained in RIL. Courses on RIL supervisors were also conducted which are tailored for key staff of the FD, YS and the harvesting companies. The map below shows the compartments and allocation of area to the three harvesting contractors.

Silam Dumping Point (above) - Logs from Malua Forest Reserve which were harvested by Hormat Jadi Sdn. Bhd. using Reduced Impact Logging technique; (right) the Director of Forestry checking some of the logs

Compartment Map of Malua

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Forestry Department and Yayasan Sabah also engaged Global Forestry Services, a third party auditor, to maintain quality of work, monitor and assess the CHP preparation and the harvesting operations. The CHP preparation was completed in October, three months before 31st Dec 2007. The harvesting operation was completely stopped at the end of December 2007 although an extension was granted just to facilitate the extraction of all felled timbers, which are not removed due to incessant rains. In general the preparation of CHP and the quality of RIL has met the required standard. The quantum of success here is the paradigm shift of the old logging practices to environmental friendly harvesting techniques. The desired results of environmentally friendly harvesting (RIL) proved that the forest condition of the Malua Forest Reserve is still good after harvesting, as opposed to the areas harvested using conventional logging. The comparison of these two areas is obvious as shown in figures top and above.

Harvested RIL area in Malua, 31st Dec 2007

Conventional Area in Ulu Segama Forest Reserve (Northern Ulu Segama), 31st Dec 2007


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Special Features

Donors Amount Purpose

Lebih Hasil Sdn. Bhd. 500,000.00

Contract WorkersAlexander Abraham Foundation 361,237.37

Rakyat Berjaya Sdn. Bhd. 100,000.00

Mulia Eramaju Sdn. Bhd. 100,000.00

Marc Ancrenaz (Regional Natural Heritage Program-Australian Government)

63,000.00Allowances For Wilfdlife Survey

American Embassy, Kuala Lumpur 68,520.00 Restoration At Kawag Valley

Benta Wawasan Sdn. Bhd. 150,300.00 RIL Monitoring In Malua (GFS)

US Fish And Wildlife Services (Through LEAP) 740,000.00 Restoration -Merisuli

DonationsThe USM-SFMP has gained international recognition since the inception of the USM-SFMP in March 2006. Among the philanthropists, who contributed substantial amount of funds for the USM-SFMP are listed below.

List of Donors

VisitorsThere were many prominent visitors to USM such as David Brand from the New Forests who visited Malua Forest Reserve on 29th Nov 2007. Officials from WWF USA also visited Northern Ulu Segama (NUS) to explore more about the area in which they are venturing into. These visits convinced them to propose their investments in 2008.

Visit by New Forests team to Infapro on 29th Nov 2007 for information gathering on the restoration project

Visit by WWF(USA) to Malua Forest Reserve on 17th Aug 2007

Cpt 13 in BW 7/04. Planting has started on the 500 ha,this area was encroached by John Galansau

This is more than 200cm dbh of a Merbau stump, which was burnt by villagers in Merisuli

The Director of Forestry and senior forestry officers visited the project area on 31st Aug and 1st Sept 2007 to ensure planning and activities for the year are implemented satisfactorily. The places visited included the construction of the office complex at Kawag valley, dumping point at Silam, Harvesting in NUS, Restoration in NUS, Silviculture activities, Danum Valley, BLR and so on. There were many observations on the grounds that needed to be rectified. A lot of decisions were made and certainly this had improved the short comings.

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Budget & ExpenditureThe total allocation for Ulu Segama Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project for 2007 was RM2,385,000.00 under the 9th Malaysian Plan (the State Government of Sabah). However, the actual expenditure was RM4,448,616.51, a deficit of RM2,065,000.00. This was overcome through a virement from other votes. The allocation was mainly used for infrastructure development, staff allowances, vehicles maintenance, supervisions of field activities and procurement of field equipments. The distribution of expenditure is shown below.

Components ItemisedExpenditure

(RM)

Service Contract (Design&Build)

• USM Base Camp 2,270,039.56

Purchases • Office Equipments• Materials• Filem

42,681.1027,319.85

2,357.60

Allowances • Allowance 1,383,927.02

Maintenance • Office• Office Equipments• Machines• Genset• Vehicles

68,068.0316,482.8033,660.00

4,571.00272,427.43

Services • Advertisement• GFS Sdn. Bhd.• Courier Service

494.55139,444.73

8.825,396.50

Others • Visitors 5,396.50

Total 4,266,878.99

ConclusionsSince the inception of USM-SFMP, a lot of drastic actions have been taken to manage the area under the SFM concept. The issues of poaching, protection, entry gates, harvesting, manpower, encroachments, infrastructure, logistics and coordination with stakeholders are all highlighted and prioritized. With the termination of all harvesting activities in the USM project area, the focus now is to manage according to the management objectives of the forest management plan with the participation of various stakeholders. The implementation covers, field activities such as environmental conservation, rehabilitation by local and international investors, resource protection and forest communities. The most important key to achieve the main objectives of this plan is the full cooperation and commitment of all partners and players in implementing and supporting every aspect of the forest activities. These are all planned to meet the time frame to get the area certified in 2009, under the FSC system

Unauthorized felling of Jati trees in VJR Sapagaya by Yayasan Sabah

Expenditure

Happenings

On 12th Nov 2007, the 200 m width of Sg. Segama bridge connecting north Ulu Segama and Kawag valley was sawn off and stolen by villagers

(Right) Fruiting durian tree in Cpt 3 of NUS, BW7/04


ulu segama-malua sustainable forest management …. iii. ulu se… · · 2016-10-08into an...

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