KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has launched a five-year research programme focusing on sustainable forestry practices.
The Research Programmes (2026-2030) project by the Forest Research Centre (FRC) under the Sabah Forestry Department aims to establish an integrated, science-driven roadmap to support sustainable forest management (SFM), climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
In a statement on Thursday (Nov 5), the department said the project aims to advance sustainable forestry practices in Sabah through five core research pillars.
Research on forest ecosystems monitors long-term terrestrial and mangrove health, evaluates soil productivity, and assesses climate risks and blue carbon potential.
It also integrates spatial data into the Sabah Ecosystem Hub, a digital platform supporting evidence-based forest management decisions.
Closely integrated with ecosystem management, research on forest biodiversity and conservation documents the richness of Sabah’s plant, fungal and wildlife species and supports efforts to protect threatened taxonomic groups.
The department said alongside these efforts, forest plantation research seeks to improve timber productivity through tree improvement and trials of fast-growing species.
Research on forest produce and products will explore better wood utilisation and the potential of non-timber forest products.
Recognising that SFM also involves people and livelihoods, it said the project would examine community participation, traditional knowledge, social impacts, nature tourism opportunities and sustainable financing.
"Furthermore, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) under FRC continues to prioritise environmental education and forest recreation based on research outcomes," it added.
