Prepared by: Michael Ng, Senior Executive, SED

Synopsis of the Forum

MPOC, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) has recently organised a forum at the Awana Genting Resort, Genting Highlands, Pahang. Themed ‘Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Action in the Agricultural Sector’, the forum acted as a platform for concerned stakeholders to share their experiences in dealing with the subject matter of human wildlife conflicts, as well as potential mitigation techniques and practices with the least environmental impacts.

The forum was attended by 95 participants, with representation from the Government agencies, plantation companies, research institutions and NGOs. Twelve papers were  presented during the forum, including guest speakers from Sri Lanka, whose paper is on elephant conservation and the mitigation of human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka, and a paper by WWF Indonesia titled ‘Beyond conflict mitigation – better management practices by plantations for wildlife conservation’.

On the last day of the forum, a site visit was organised to visit an operational electric fencing system (Sistem Pagar Elektrik Gajah / SPEG), which was located at Kampung Chemomoi, Pahang. The installation of the system was one of the mitigation techniques by PERHILITAN to address human-wildlife conflict-prone areas in Peninsular Malaysia (mainly for elephants).

In conclusion, the forum managed to raise a better understanding on the current constraints in addressing the human-wildlife conflicts in Peninsular Malaysia. Secondly, stakeholders are made aware that there is an urgent need to work together in better managing the issue, especially in conflict areas nearby plantations. Finally, MPOC reaffirmed the Malaysian palm oil industry’s pledge to support positive biodiversity conservation efforts and collaborations that lead to sustainable human-wildlife conflicts mitigations, in order to achieve sustainable development in the country.

Footnote: The organisation of the MPOC-PERHILITAN Forum 2016 was made possible by financial contributions from the Malaysian Palm Oil Wildlife Conservation Fund (MPOWCF), whose main objective is to support conservation efforts and activities that creates an ideal balance between economic development and sustainability in Malaysia.In conclusion, the forum managed to raise a better understanding on the current constraints in addressing the human-wildlife conflicts in Peninsular Malaysia. Secondly, stakeholders are made aware that there is an urgent need to work together in better managing the issue, especially in conflict areas nearby plantations. Finally, MPOC reaffirmed the Malaysian palm oil industry’s pledge to support positive biodiversity conservation efforts and collaborations that lead to sustainable human-wildlife conflicts mitigations, in order to achieve sustainable development in the country.

The Forum’s papers can now be downloaded at the provided links below.

PAPER 1 Human Wildlife Conflict in Peninsular Malaysia Current Status and Overview Salman Saaban, DWNP

PAPER 2 Perspective of Biodiversity with Particular Reference to Cultivation of Oil Crops Dr. Yew Foong Kheong, MPOC

PAPER 3 The Role Of The Malaysian Oil Palm Industry In Wildlife Conservation in Sabah The Wildlife Rescue Unit As A Case Study Dr. Pakeeyaraj A/L Nagalingam, Sabah Wildlife Department

PAPER 4 Wildlife Conservation vs Conflict in Sarawak Oswald Braken Tisen, Sarawak Forestry Corporation

PAPER 6 Beyond Conflict Mitigation Better Management Practices by Plantations for Wildlife Conservation Dr.Sunarto, WWF Indonesia

PAPER 7 Elephant Conservation and Mitigating HEC in Sri Lanka Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando, Centre for Conservation and Research, Sri Lanka

PAPER 8 Human Elephant Conflict in Peninsular Malaysia Nasharuddin Othman, DWNP

PAPER 9 Human Wildlife Conflict and Evolving Mitigation Methods Sabah Softwoods Berhad’s Experience Ram Nathan, Sabah Softwoods Berhad

PAPER 10 Human Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Action in Agricultural Sector Salasah Elias, Kulim Malaysia Berhad

PAPER 11 Human Elephant Conflictand Research in Peninsular Malaysia Dr. Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz, The University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus

PAPER 12 Introduction of National Tiger Conservation Action Plan (NTCAP) and National Elephant Conservation Action Plan (NECAP) Hazril Rafhan, DWNP