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Kota Kinabalu: A two-day Borneo Forestry Cooperative (BFC) Annual Forestry Symposium and Plantation Open Day will be held in Kota Marudu from May 10 – 11 themed “Growing a Productive Plantation Forestry Industry in Borneo”.

It is organised by the Industry Tree Plantation (ITP), a crucial component of Sabah’s economic growth. One of the highlights of the event will be the visit to the ITP managed by Forest Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The ITP, Gerak Saga Sdn Bhd, is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS), ensuring the highest standards of sustainable forest management practices.

The Plantation Open Day would provide an opportunity for participants to explore and witness first-hand the various aspects of plantation management, from species selection to silviculture practices. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions, network with industry experts, and learn from the experience of fellow professionals in the field.

 Guest speaker Dr Colin Smith is an international expert on species selection and plantation productivity from South Africa. Smith has extensive experience in plantation forestry and a deep understanding of best practices for maximising productivity while ensuring sustainable management of resources.

The event would feature representatives from industry bodies in Sabah who will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the forestry industry in the region. Forestry researchers will also present their latest findings and innovations in the field, providing valuable insights into the latest advancement in plantation forestry practices.

“We are excited to host the Annual Forestry Symposium and Plantation Open Day, which promises to be an informative and engaging event for all participants,” said Glen Mac Nair, Director of Gerak Saga.

“Esteemed speakers and experts will share their valuable insights on how we can collectively work towards growing a productive and sustainable plantation forestry industry in Borneo,” he said. BFC Technical Manager Paul Warburton said the visit to the certified Industrial Tree Planation is a unique opportunity for participants to witness sustainable forest management practices in action.

The Annual Forestry Symposium and Plantation Open Day is open to all forestry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders interested in the growth and sustainability of the plantation forestry industry in Sabah. Registration details and the full program of the event can be found at https://forms.gle/FscVkxF4AwJJssHW8 and www.borneoforestrycoop.com.

The BFC was founded in 2009 with a mission to innovate and support the scaling up of Sabah’s Industrial Tree Plantation industry through knowledge, experience, and connections to leading forestry expertise.