PowerPoint Presentation

Biodiversity Conservation in Malaysia: past, present and futurePrepared byNosrat RavichandranFor IHST 8802October 2012

Location map of Malaysia

PurposeTo investigate the development of biodiversity conservation in Malaysia, from the time of independence (1957 - 2012), and its possible future direction

Focus: Federal government plans, policies and structural changes and establishment of environmental NGOs

DefinitionBiodiversity conservation: protection, restoration and sustainable use of biological life support systems on earth

National Biodiversity Policy: To conserve Malaysia's biological diversity and to ensure that its components are utilised in a sustainable manner for the continued progress and socio-economic development of the nation

History of BioD Conservation First Cabinet: Ministry of Natural Resources Malaysias main agenda: economic & social development , national prosperity Biodiversity conservation not top of the agenda but always incorporatedHeritage to be preserved in conjunction with development International conventions since 1978: CITES, CBD, Ramsar, Cartagena Protocol

Glimpse of the pastBiodiversity was managed by different sectors in 4 ministries until 2004 : formation of Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MNRE)Main reference authority for all national biodiversity and natural resource matters is MNREMinistry with 12 Agencies under its jurisdictionNGOs established since 1940s

6Present ScenarioCurrent Malaysia plan: One of the main 10 focus ideas: Future in climate and conservationAt least 20 established NGOs pushing the conservation agenda, use of celebrity ambassadors Young people involvement in environmental issues apparent eg. EcoKnights Eco Film Festival

7Future ProjectionsGovernment continue in plans for strategic development of the economy and social benefits, focus towards climate change and carbon footprint issuesMainstreaming biodiversity conservation in developmentEnvironmental courtYounger generation taking interest in biodiversity protection

Malaysia to have its own Environmental Court to hear cases involving environmental crimes Jan 20128Thank you