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Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Industrial Tree Plantations the solution
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's wood industry is betting big on Industrial Tree Plantations (ITP) to secure its future as it faces shrinking natural timber supplies. With natural forests yielding fewer logs, the Malaysian Timber Association's (MTA) nine member associations identified solutions during meetings here, followed by a field tour of Jawala Plantation's sustainable operations in Sapulut, Keningau. 'Industrial Tree Plantations are not just an alternative, they are our industry lifeline,' said MTA President George Yap, noting Malaysia's timber exports hit RM23.4 billion last year. Among possible solutions is ITPs with a focus on fast-growing species like Laran and Albizia that can mature in 10-15 years compared to over 50 years for wild trees. During the field tour held from April 13 – 15, Jawala showed how degraded land can be converted to productive plantations. In addition, the delegation was also briefed on how local seedling programs preserve genetic diversity. Another possibility is through certification systems, whereby Sabah's Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) tracks wood from farm to market. This also ensures compliance with international standards and helps access premium markets. The third possibility is through trade strategy overhaul, such as diversifying export markets to reduce reliance on the US amid tariff hikes and lobbying for fairer Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora rules on protected species The Jawala plantation impressed the delegates with its environmental, social and governance-compliant operations (environmental/social safeguards), High Conservation Value Forest conservation areas and community job creation programs. The MTA plans to replicate Jawala's methods nationwide, aiming to increase plantation wood's share from 15 per cent to 40 per cent of supply by 2035, train 5,000 workers in sustainable forestry techniques and develop new fast-growing timber hybrids. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Iraqi News
16-04-2025
- General
- Iraqi News
Baghdad's Ummah Park transformed into lush urban forest after rehabilitation
Baghdad ( – Central Baghdad's Ummah Park (Hadiqat Al-Ummah) has become a magnificent example of urban greening after two years of meticulous restoration and skilled regeneration. Once probably a typical park, it is today said to as a thick and varied 'mini urban forest,' providing the capital with an essential green space. This amazing change accomplishes two goals: the park itself gives locals and tourists a much-needed breathing area (mutanafis), and the diverse trees actively filter and cool the surrounding air. It serves as a model for appropriate urban forestry, demonstrating the remarkable results that may be achieved with a variety of well chosen plantings, automatic watering, and constant sanitation. Now, tourists can take in a diverse selection of blooming shrubs and perennial trees that have been hand-picked for their capacity to flourish in Baghdad's harsh environment. Ficus, heat-tolerant Acacias, Albizia, colorful Bougainvillea, and graceful palm trees are among the species that enhance the park's visual appeal and biodiversity. The restored Ummah Park represents the aspiration for a more environmentally friendly Baghdad. It establishes a standard for upcoming governmental and private initiatives to give equal weight to aesthetics (diverse planting) and utility (increasing air quality). As it envisions a day when such beauty and greenery adorn every part of the city, the concept also emphasizes the significance of community responsibility in preserving the integrity and cleanliness of these shared public places.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tackling Invasive Species
In this episode of Empowered Hawaii, hosts Jeff Mikulina and Kelly Simek take on a pressing issue for the islands: invasive species. Hawaii's delicate ecosystems are under constant threat, and Jeff and Kelly explore the innovative efforts to combat these invasive species and protect the environment. Kelly begins the episode by focusing on the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), a destructive pest threatening Hawaii's iconic palm trees. She speaks with Arisa Barcinas, CRB Response Outreach Associate, and Nate Serota, Spokesman for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Together, they explain how CRBs damage palm trees by boring into their crowns, stunting their growth and killing them. Arisa and Nate also highlight ongoing efforts to eradicate CRBs, including traps and community education, as well as strategies to prevent the beetle from spreading to neighbor islands. Next, Jeff shifts the conversation to the Albizia tree, considered one of Hawaii's most dangerous invasive species. He speaks with Christine Valenti of the Albizia Project, who explains the tree's rapid growth and weak wood make it a hazard during storms. Christine also shares how her team is turning a challenge into an opportunity by repurposing Albizia trees into sustainable wood products, like surfboards and other decorative items, supporting both the environment and local communities. The episode wraps up with a look at two other invasive pests wreaking havoc: coqui frogs and little fire ants. Jeff and Kelly speak with Nate Dube of the Oahu Invasive Species Committee and Taylor Campbell of the Waimanalo Agriculture Association, who discuss the ecological and agricultural damage caused by these species. The experts outline ongoing efforts to remove infestations, including community-driven projects and innovative pest control methods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
