(MY)Biodiversity conservation needed too

[Guest guest]

The Star - opinion page - 9 october 2005

 

Biodiversity conservation needed too

 

WWF-Malaysia is happy to note that the Government has allocated a

significant sum of RM1.9bil for the implementation of environmental

preservation projects.

 

The allocations are mainly for environmental protection, for example flood

mitigation.

 

WWF-Malaysia is concerned, however, that no mention was made of biodiversity

conservation. Allocations could be used to develop management plans for

protected areas, undertake biodiversity assessments, conduct monitoring

exercises, step up enforcement efforts and provide for capacity building

programmes for government agencies and relevant stakeholders.

 

Biodiversity conservation, including forests, is of particular concern,

especially in times of water shortage. The water levels at our dams are

worrying and a contributing factor is that much of our water catchments

areas have been compromised by runaway development.

 

Protecting forests around water catchments areas is no longer a luxury but a

necessity. When they are gone, the costs of providing clean and safe

drinking water to urban areas will increase dramatically.

 

Protecting watersheds from over-development by incorporating wise land use

strategies and practising effective forest management principles is vital in

maintaining a healthy eco-system and its functions.

 

Much emphasis has also been given to the expansion of biotechnology. Our

advantage where biotechnology is concerned is very much dependent on the

availability of our rich biodiversity.

 

The link between biotechnology, biodiversity conservation, and its

sustainable use requires several considerations, including a realisation

that a wider range of skills are required for research, product development,

and approval; the creation, use, and management of multidisciplinary teams

dealing with the complexities of legal and regulatory frameworks for

biotechnology and biodiversity conservation and use.

 

WWF-Malaysia also urges the Government to provide more funding for

biodiversity research. Success in biotechnology can only come from good

biodiversity conservation and management.

 

It would be too late in the day when we realise the storehouse of biological

material we thought we had, for purposeful biotechnological use and creation

of wealth, have all disappeared in our own lifetime.

 

*DATUK DR MIKAAIL KAVANAGH ABDULLAH

 

WWF-Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur*