Program Bicara Perhutanan Antarabangsa Siri 1 2026 Highlights Global Forestry Priorities and Conservation Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 June 2026 – Planters International Berhad attended the Program Bicara Perhutanan Antarabangsa Siri 1 Tahun 2026, organised by the Department of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia (JPSM) at Dewan Damar Minyak, IPJPSM. The programme brought together forestry practitioners, policymakers, researchers and conservation stakeholders to discuss emerging international developments shaping the future of sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and wetland protection.

YBhg. Dato’ Hj. Zahari bin Ibrahim, Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia

The session was officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Hj. Zahari bin Ibrahim, Director General of Forestry Peninsular Malaysia, and featured a series of technical presentations covering peatland management, Ramsar Convention outcomes, international conservation frameworks and sustainable trade mechanisms.

Strengthening Malaysia's Position in Global Forestry and Conservation

The programme highlighted the increasing importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Discussions reinforced the need for science-based decision-making, strong governance frameworks and multi-stakeholder partnerships to ensure long-term environmental resilience.

Among the key topics presented was "Managing Peatland Sustainably Through Partnership", which explored collaborative approaches to peatland conservation and restoration. Peatlands remain among the world's most important carbon sinks, playing a critical role in climate regulation and biodiversity protection.

Participants were also briefed on outcomes from the 5th International Scientific Conference on Peatlands of Siberia held in Tomsk, Russia, where global experts exchanged knowledge on peatland functioning, restoration and sustainable resource management.

Ramsar Convention and Wetland Conservation Priorities

En. Harry Yong, Deputy Director (Forest Development), Pahang State

One of the notable presentations focused on outcomes from the 15th Session of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP15) of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The session highlighted growing international attention towards wetland conservation and the need for member countries to strengthen monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Particular emphasis was placed on three Malaysian Ramsar sites identified as high-priority locations requiring updated ecological and hydrological assessments:

• Pulau Kukup National Park

• Sungai Pulai Forest Reserve

• Tanjung Piai National Park

These sites were identified due to their ecological significance and the need for timely reporting under Ramsar obligations.

The presentation also introduced discussions surrounding OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures), a growing conservation approach recognised globally alongside traditional protected areas. OECMs provide a flexible mechanism for achieving biodiversity conservation outcomes while accommodating various land-use and governance arrangements.

For Malaysia, OECMs may offer future opportunities to recognise and strengthen conservation efforts beyond conventional protected area designations, particularly in landscapes where biodiversity protection coexists with sustainable economic activities.

Advancing Sustainable Trade Through CITES Implementation

Another key presentation focused on strengthening implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through a structured Nine-Step Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs) Assessment Framework.

Tn. Hj. Helmy Tariq bin Othman, Section Chief (Forest Biology Control), JPSM

The framework aims to ensure that trade involving wildlife and forest resources remains sustainable, scientifically justified and compliant with international obligations. By adopting evidence-based assessments, countries can better balance economic development with biodiversity conservation while maintaining market access and international credibility.

The presentation reinforced the importance of scientific data, transparent assessments and strong institutional capacity in supporting sustainable forest resource management.

Implications for Nature-Based Solutions and Restoration Initiatives

The discussions throughout the programme reflected broader global trends that are increasingly relevant to landscape restoration, wetland conservation, biodiversity monitoring and carbon-related initiatives.

For organisations involved in nature-based solutions, ecological restoration and environmental monitoring, the programme provided valuable insights into evolving international frameworks, including:

• Wetland conservation and Ramsar commitments

• Peatland restoration and climate resilience

• OECM recognition mechanisms

• Biodiversity conservation targets

• Sustainable resource management frameworks

• Science-based monitoring and reporting systems

These developments continue to influence how conservation projects are planned, implemented and evaluated across both public and private sectors.

Planters International's Participation

As a company focused on forest conservation, ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring and environmental intelligence, Planters International welcomed the opportunity to participate in the programme and engage with forestry professionals, government agencies and conservation practitioners.

The session provided valuable perspectives on emerging international priorities and reinforced the importance of integrating science, technology and collaborative partnerships into long-term conservation strategies.

Planters International remains committed to supporting sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions that contribute towards Malaysia's environmental and climate objectives.

About Planters International Berhad

Planters International Berhad is a Malaysian environmental solutions company specialising in forest conservation and restoration, biodiversity monitoring, environmental intelligence, carbon project development, circular economy initiatives and nature-based solutions. Through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, the company supports sustainable ecosystem management and climate resilience across diverse landscapes.