Sarawak Innovates Technology for Modeling Tree Volumes in Forests

The Sarawak Forestry Department (JHS) has made a groundbreaking achievement in the field of forest management by developing a technology to determine Forest Volume Modelling of trees and estimate carbon content. This innovative technology was developed through a partnership with the National Institute of Environment Studies, Japan (NIES).

Director of the Sarawak Forestry Department, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, announced this milestone during the Sarawak-level International Forests Day 2024 Celebrations, which were inaugurated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sabal Forest Reserve in Simunjan. Hamden highlighted the importance of this collaboration with NIES, stating that it will benefit Sarawak’s forestry sector and the environment.

In addition to the partnership with NIES, the department has also established strategic collaborations with other institutions such as the Skogforsk Research Institute of Sweden and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). These partnerships aim to enhance technical expertise in forest management and promote sustainable development practices.

The Sarawak Forestry Department’s commitment to excellence has been recognized through various awards, including the Innovation Award at the Malaysia Technology Expo 2024 and the Premier Sarawak Gold Award for Quality Public Services. During the celebrations, JHS also received a certificate from the Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Most Shorea macrophylla Tree Planting in an Event’ category, after planting 3,010 Engkabang jantong trees at the Sabal Forest Reserve.

This achievement underscores the department’s dedication to innovation and environmental conservation, positioning Sarawak as a leader in sustainable forest management practices.