The International Day of Forests 2024
Forest and innovation: New solutions for a better world
MAR. 2024 , ISSUE 43
MAR. 2024 , ISSUE 43
The International Day of Forests 2024
Forest and innovation: New solutions for a better world
As we commemorate the annual International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21st, we are reminded of the invaluable role that forests play in sustaining life on our planet. The IDF will be celebrated on the theme ‘Forests and Innovation’ this year, highlighting the remarkable synergy between nature’s wisdom and human ingenuity.
The Southeast Asian Rainforests
Tropical rainforests, especially the rainforests in Southeast Asia (SEA) are believed to be the oldest and among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world (WWF Malaysia). SEA’s primary forests, mostly located in Indonesia and Malaysia, are significant carbon sinks with their dense vegetation and vast expanse. Our rainforests help in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Deforestation a Major Concern
According to Global Forest Watch, 2.85 million hectares of primary forest in Malaysia were lost over the past two decades. To simply put the area into perspective, it is almost the size of the whole Perak and Selangor states combined. Deforestation driven by agriculture, infrastructure development and the rising demand of timber products have caused significant damages to our ecosystems.
Solutions For A Better World
Innovations can play a crucial role in addressing deforestation by offering new technologies, approaches, and solutions to lessen its causes and impact. One of the ways is by developing sustainable alternative materials and products to reduce the demand for timber based products.
Pahang Forestry Dept foils illegal logging worth RM400,000 in Temerloh, Bentong.
- (Berita Harian, 13 February 2021)
Pahang Forestry Dept foils illegal logging worth RM400,000 in Temerloh, Bentong.
- (Berita Harian, 13 February 2021)
ENVPLAS® Board was developed as an alternative product for plywood, which is widely used in both construction and furniture industries. The boards are made from 70% recycled polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) material. Due to the unique formula used, the boards offer higher durability and can be fully recycled. We also initiated a waste buy-back program to provide a closed-loop system whereby our products are recovered, recycled and reintroduced into the production process, thus reducing raw material.
Our forests are vital ecosystems that provide a wide range of ecological, economic, cultural and societal benefits. By harnessing nature's wisdom and embracing innovative advancements, we have the opportunity to ensure the resilience and vitality of our forests for the benefit of present and future generations.
