news

VOL

15 NO 3 May - June 2009

ISSN 1394 - 6196 PUBLISHED BY MALAYSIAN TIMBER COUNCIL

MTCs Ice-Breaking Sessions with the New Minister Malaysias Green Building Index Launched

PEFC Endorsement of MTCS

Cover Story

Matang Mangroves: A Century of Sustainable Management

editorial

We are happy to note that a Malaysian private-sector initiative has conceptualised the countrys first ever Green Building Index (GBI). Launched on 21 May 2009, the GBI spells out the standards which a new building must meet before it can stake that green claim.
Dear Readers,
Congratulatory wishes are due to the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), whose Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) has now been officially endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) from 1 May 2009. (Report on pages 4 - 5). The MTCS has, indeed, developed systematically since the idea of certifying Malaysian timber was first mooted in MTCs London office (then in Curzon Street, Mayfair) back in 1996. Malaysia is, indeed, blessed with much natural vegetation. In terms of forest alone, Malaysia is home to 10 types of forest: mixed dipterocarp, lower montane, upper montane and subalpine vegetation, beech vegetation including strand forest, Kernagas or tropical heath, forest over ultrabasic rock, forest on limestone, mangrove and brackish water vegetation, peat swamp and freshwater swamp. This issue features a write-up on Malaysias mangrove forests along the coast of the state of Perak. Malaysia has built up a reputation for the best management of mangroves in the world. To find out the basis for this claim, read our report on pages 6 - 11. We are happy to note that a Malaysian private-sector initiative has conceptualised the countrys first ever Green Building Index (GBI). Launched on 21 May 2009, the GBI spells out the standards which a new building must meet before it can stake that green claim. It was developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEM) as part of the effort to green the Malaysian property industry. It is gratifying to note that under the criteria choice of materials and resources, emphasis is given on the use of environment-friendly, recycled materials and sustainable timber. The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting, Australia has estimated that more than 25 tonnes of greenhouse gases could be saved if timber products were used instead of the common alternatives,

to build anything. It is hoped that, in the long run, more and more people, particularly specifiers and architects, realize how small timbers carbon footprint is and how using more timber actually contributes to less greenhouse gas emissions. Our story on the GBI is on pages 12 - 18. Happy Reading! The Editor

Indoor environmental quality, which includes natural lighting, is one of five areas where buildings are evaluated under the GBI.

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2 MTCs Ice-Breaking Sessions With The New

NEWS

With the endorsement, the MTCs has become the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the PEFC.

Minister

On Financing 3 Dialogue Activities

4 PEFC Endorsement of MTCS Mangroves: A 6 Matang Century of Sustainable

FEATURE

Management

Green Building 12 Malaysias Index Launched Session of UN Forum on Forests; 19 8th 17th Session of UN Commission on
GLOBAL COMMUNITY

HEAD OFFICE 18th Floor, Menara PGRM No. 8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras 56100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia E council@mtc.com.my T +603 9281 1999 F +603 9282 8999 LONDON 24 Old Queen Street London, SW1H 9HP United Kingdom E council@mtc.co.uk T +44 207 222 8188 F +44 207 222 8884

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Sustainable Development; Workshop on Forests and Water; 8th Asia Forest Partnership Meeting; Bonn Climate Change Talks; High-level Conference on Fighting Climate Change with Carbon Capture and Storage
QUICK TAKES

Timber Malaysia is published six times a year by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC). It is distributed to over 8,000 individuals and timber related companies, agencies and organisations in 117 countries. MTC holds the copyright to all its contents, unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be produced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from MTC. For feedback, subscription, article contribution and/or advertising, please write to: editor_timbermalaysia@mtc.com.my

Near East 2009; GULFBID 22 Project 2009; Timber Mission; MTC Timber

Talk Series; Resource and Business Mission; Business Visit

news

MTCs Ice-Breaking Sessions with the New Minister

Given the economic quagmire that the world is currently stuck in, it is, indeed, a challenging time for the new Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, His Honourable Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, to start overseeing the continued growth of the Malaysian commodities sector.

evertheless, within a short time, the Minister has managed to get acquainted with the main players of the various sub-sectors of the industry. MTC organised a series of events in June 2009 in an effort to introduce the Council to the newly-appointed Minister. The CEO and Management team of MTC gave a briefing to the Minister at the Ministers Office on 18 June 2009. The briefing focused on the Councils objectives, as well as its main activities. A few MTC-initiated projects, like the development of a glu-laminated industry in Malaysia and the establishment of a Malaysian Timber Product Centre in Warsaw, Poland, were also elaborated on.
Tan Sri Bernard (third right) with Tunku Osman (on the Ministers right) and other MTC Trustees at the dinner.

On the same day, the MTC Chairman, HRH Tunku Tan Sri Osman Ahmad, hosted a dinner between the Honourable Minister and the Trustees of the Council. This provided a good opportunity for representatives of all Federal-based timber associations to touch base with the Minister in an informal setting. Many subjects, including the laminated scantlings project jointly undertaken by MTC, the Malaysian Wood Industries Association, the Malaysian Timber Industry Board and Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, were discussed at length. Earlier, on 8 June 2009, the Minister also took the opportunity to get to know members of the industry through an informal hi-tea get-together at a local hotel in Putrajaya. Organised by the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, similar ice-breaking sessions were also held for other major commodity sectors like oil palm and furniture.

MTC CEO, Mr. Cheah Kam Huan, and other members of the MTC Management team at the briefing to the Minister.

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Dialogue on Financing Facilities

MTC initiated a dialogue between the industry and the local banking sector including the countrys central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), to address several issues affecting the timber industry with regard to financing and credit facilities.

H
Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim

eld on 20 May 2009, the dialogue, chaired by BNM Assistant Governor, Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim, was well attended by 42 bankers and 25 members from the wood-based industry. MTC CEO, Mr. Cheah Kam Huan led the representation of the timber industry, and MTC Senior Director for Trade Promotion and Marketing, Mr. SK Tham made a presentation on the Malaysian timber industry. The dialogue enabled the banking sector to have a better understanding of the needs and requirements of the woodbased industry, which contributes four per cent to the countrys GDP annually. For the year 2008, export earnings from the wood-based sector was RM22.79 billion, making it the fifth largest export earner after electrical and electronic products, palm oil and palm-oil based products, crude petroleum and liquefied natural gas. The dialogue has also resulted in BNM having direct access to problems faced by the timber industry in their daily dealings with the banks. Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim requested that any other individual issues with the local banks be sent directly to BNM for quick solutions. MTC will be coordinating the issues from the industry and submitting them to BNM in due course. Currently, MTC is working together with the Association of Banks of Malaysia (ABM) to organise a regional roadshow. ABM, together with BNM and SME Corporation Malaysia (formerly known as SMIDEC), is organising a Financing Fair in Batu Pahat, Johor on 17 August 2009. In conjunction with the fair, there will also be a dialogue session between the timber industry and the banks on 18 August 2009. This would again be a good opportunity for the timber industry, especially from Johor, to interact with the banks on issues of a similar nature.

Mr. Cheah (right) leading the representation of the timber industry at the dialogue.

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PEFC Endorsement of MTCS

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) has given its endorsement of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS). The decision to endorse the 2002 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Forest Management Certification, on which the MTCS is based, was announced on 5 May 2009. This followed the outcome of the PEFC General Assembly postal vote among its members based on the recommendation of the Board of Directors who had made their decision on an assessment of the MTCS by an independent assessor appointed by the PEFC Council.

he endorsement is valid for a five-year period, with periodic review to ensure the continued compliance of the MTCS. With the endorsement, the MTCS, which is operated by the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), has become the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region, and the second in the world after the Gabonese Forest Certification Scheme, to be endorsed by the PEFC. Ben Gunneberg, PEFC Secretary General, said: The endorsement of MTCS is a significant achievement for the sustainable forest management community as a whole. While the certification movement has its origins in efforts to protect tropical forests, over 90% of the worlds certification today takes place in the temperate forests of Europe and North America. Yet tropical forests in the Southern hemisphere offer the most benefits to tackling some of societys biggest challenges, including climate change, combating deforestation and forest degradation, and maintaining the worlds precious biodiversity.

Ben Gunneberg. Photo credit: PEFC.

Backgrounder: PEFC
PEFC is a framework for the assessment and endorsement of national forest certification systems that have been developed based on internationally recognised requirements for sustainable forest management. Since its launch in 1999, PEFC has become the largest forest certification umbrella organisation covering national systems from all over the world, delivering hundreds of millions of tonnes of wood to the processing industry and then onto the market place from currently more than 200 million hectares of certified forests. This is an area larger than the combined forest area of all European Union member states. PEFC has strong grassroots support from many stakeholders including the forestry sector, governments, trade associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations.

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Datuk Dr. Freezailah Che Yeom, MTCC Chairman said, MTCC is proud to have obtained the PEFC endorsement, which shows that the various aspects of the MTCS, such as the institutional arrangement and certification standards used, have met the stringent requirements of the PEFC. It gives further assurance that forests certified under the MTCS are implementing the best management practices and contributing to the challenging efforts to achieve sustainable forest management, particularly for the tropical rainforests. Dr. Freezailah added that the endorsement enables the MTCS to achieve mutual recognition with 26 other PEFC-endorsed certification schemes. This means that the MTCS-certified timber product manufacturers and exporters will soon be able to combine PEFC-certified material from Malaysia with other PEFC-certified material under the PEFC logo. The endorsement is further testimony that the MTCS has made tremendous progress and improvements since it began operation in October 2001. I would like to attribute this success to the hard work of the MTCC management and staff, as well as all the Malaysian stakeholder groups for their contributions and inputs which have been very helpful in improving the scheme to meet the requirements of the PEFC, added Dr. Freezailah. Note: The full report of the conformity assessment of the MTCS can be obtained from the PEFC website at www.pefc.org.

Datuk Dr. Freezailah Che Yeom Photo credit: MTCC.

This success is attributed to the hard work of the MTCC management and staff, as well as all the Malaysian stakeholder groups for their contributions and inputs. Photo credit: MTCC.

Backgrounder: MTCC (www.mtcc.com.my)

MTCC was established to develop and operate a voluntary national timber certification scheme, now known as the MTCS, in order to provide independent assessments of forest management practices to ensure sustainable forest management in Malaysia as well as to meet the market demand for certified timber products. Currently, nine Forest Management Units (FMUs) accounting for a total area of 4.84 million hectares of Permanent Reserved Forests (PRFs) in Malaysia are certified under the MTCS. 141 timber manufacturers and exporters have been awarded the chain-of-custody certificate, which qualifies them to supply MTCS-certified timber products to the market.

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Matang Mangroves: A Century of Sustainable Management

Up to 73.6 per cent have been classified as productive forest while the balance of 26.4 per cent consists of non-productive or protected forest.

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The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, or Matang Mangroves, has been acknowledged as the best-managed mangrove forest in Malaysia. Covering slightly more than 40,000 hectares, it is the largest single mangrove forest in Peninsular Malaysia and is an exemplary sustainably managed mangrove forest which has been able to successfully balance the continuing demand for wood resources and preservation of the mangrove ecosystem.

atang Mangroves is located in the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, within the administrative district of Larut Matang, and Krian in the State of Perak. Larut Matang won the Ministry of Primary Industries (now renamed as Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities) 1996/1997 Green Award for the Best Managed Forest District in Peninsular Malaysia. Up to 73.6 per cent have been classified as productive forest while the balance of 26.4 per cent consists of non-productive or protected forest. The productive forests are assigned for the purpose of timber production and the non-productive forests are for the purpose of bio-diversity conservation, erosion mitigation, research and education, recreation, local communitys needs and settlement. Numerous waterways including rivers forming important means of transport divide the forest reserve where more than 85 per cent are tidal swamps, which are naturally flooded during high tide. Its complex and fragile ecosystem plays an important role in conserving the bio-diversity of the flora and fauna in the forest reserve.
Numerous waterways including rivers forming important means of transport divide the forest reserve where more than 85 per cent are tidal swamps, which are naturally flooded during high tide.

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Fauna of Matang Mangroves

Besides flora, Matang Mangrove is also home of 156 species of birds. Of these, 49 species are migratory. At least two important species are listed in the IUCN/ICBP Red Data Book of endangered bird species, which are the Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) and Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus). Matang is also home to the Grey Heron (Ardea cinera), and during wintering, to hundreds of migrating Great Egrets (Egretta alba). Other fauna found in Matang includes the Smooth Otter (Lutra perspicillata). Matangs Dryland Forest is rich in mammals such as Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Silvered Langur (Presbytis cristata), and a variety of bats, squirrels, civets, mongooses, pangolins and wild boars. Underwater, Matang Mangroves wildlife is equally rich; scientists have identified 114 species of fish, 20 species of prawns and 48 species of crabs.

Long-tailed Macaque.

A crab species found in Matang.

Management of Matang Mangroves

Matang Mangroves is divided into four zones based on carefully delineated forest types. This in turn, is the basis for a silviculture system based on ecological considerations. At the heart of the management system are the Perak State Forest Departments 10-Year Working Plans and detailed Control Maps, which meticulously outline how the forest reserve is to be managed. The first Working Plan covered the period 1950-1959, and has been revised consistently every 10 years. Hence, the management system of Matang Mangroves, which has evolved on many levels, from silviculture to zoning and conservation, has not only allowed for timber to be harvested but also for fishing to take place all year round. In addition, it has allowed the mangroves to play their natural and important roles of stabilising the riverine coastlines and be home to unique plants and animals. Ultimately, the aim of the management system of Matang Mangroves is sustainability.

Matang Mangroves have contributed significantly to Peraks high fisheries production, which is the highest in Malaysia.

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Major Tree Species of Matang

The major tree species found in Matang are Bakau Minyak (Rhizophora apiculata) and Bakau Kurap (Rhizophora mucronata) along the riverbanks and in more tide-submerged areas. These two species occupy up to 85 per cent of the total forest area and are the main commercial species. Small channels usually bring in large quantities of Lenggadai (Bruguiera parviflora) propagules. Being opportunistic plants, they take root very quickly in areas that had been clear-felled, impairing the growth of Bakau. Another Bruguiera species that occurs mainly seawards is the Bruguiera cylindrica (Seaward Berus Forest). As it is inferior to Rhizophora as a raw material for charcoal production, large areas of this species remain unexploited.

Tree-Harvesting Rotation
In Matang Mangroves, productive forests are clear-felled once they reach 30 years old. This has been in practice since 1950. Silviculture practices see intermediate felling carried out twice, i.e. during years 15 and years 20. Where necessary, intensive planting is done two years after final felling. The 30-year rotation gives the highest net return on capital value. Most of the present stands within the productive areas of Matang Mangroves consist of second rotation crop except for an approximate 15% of the total area.

Yield
Yield regulation serves to ensure a constant supply of greenwood as raw material for the charcoal industry in the State, which is concentrated in the Kuala Sepetang district. It also ensures that only economically productive areas are harvested. At the same time, it provides assurance to contractors that areas allocated to them yield a minimum volume of greenwood. Yield is regulated based on area and volume. It is also dependent on each compartments productivity, which differs year to year. By dividing forest into productivity classes, all productive areas in Matang Mangroves are identified for final felling, and hence coupes and subcoupes allocated. It is estimated that productive mangrove areas in Matang in this second rotation will be able to yield between 140-190 tonnes of greenwood per hectare, mainly from the Rhizophoraceae family during final felling.

Silviculture
The objective of silviculture practices in Matang Mangrove is to create a sustainable high-yielding stand of the highest ecological framework of a dynamic mangrove forest. The system employed in Matang Mangroves is referred to as the Clear Felling and Planting silviculture system.
Yield regulation serves to ensure a constant supply of greenwood as raw material for the charcoal industry in Perak.

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FROM GREENWOOD TO CHARCOAL

The availability and yield of the forest for final felling determine the volume of greenwood that could be harvested for charcoal production, as well as the number of charcoal processing kilns to be operational. For 2000-2009, the charcoal-processing rate per kiln was set at eight burns per year, and greenwood requirement for a single burn is 40 tonnes. To date, the number of kilns approved and operational in Kuala Sepetang is 348. This works out to having 2.3 hectares of forest to provide the greenwood for each kiln, which resembles an igloo. They are built with bricks. Clay and sand are mixed to be used as plaster. The standard diameter for all the kilns at ground level is 6.7m with a height of about 7.1m. Each kiln has an economic life span of seven to 10 years. To produce the charcoal, mangrove billets or poles of 1.6m long will be placed inside each kiln for up to 28 days. The charcoal is then left for a week to cool before being taken out from the kiln. The charcoal production from each burn is around 10.5 tonnes. All the charcoal produced from this industry in Matang, which started off in 1930, is exported to Japan.

To produce the charcoal, mangrove billets or poles of 1.6m long will be placed inside each kiln for up to 28 days.

Socio-Economics
Charcoal is Matang Mangroves primary economic timber product. The estimated annual value of charcoal during 2000-2009 is RM27.2 million. Besides its usage as fuel, charcoal is also further processed into other products such as soap, cigarette filters, shoe soles and water filters. Matang Mangroves is the largest supplier of mangrove poles in Peninsular Malaysia. The poles are used as piling materials in housing and construction. The expected annual value of poles during 2000-2009 is RM2.6 million. Others products from Matang Mangroves include the making of shingles (attap) from the fronds of Nipah and also wood vinegar, which is a by-product of converting greenwood to charcoal, produced exclusively for the Japanese market. Matang Mangroves have contributed significantly to Peraks high fisheries production, which is the highest in the country. Of the species identified by marine scientist, 60 to 100 per cent of fish and 75 to 99 per cent of prawns were juveniles, indicating the importance of Matang Mangroves as a nursery ground. Cockle farming around Matang Mangroves meanwhile has also made a significant contribution, recording an annual market value of RM32.45 million. The uniqueness of the Matang Mangrove ecosystem makes it attractive for education and eco-tourism. Tourism not only serves to increase awareness of and appreciation for mangrove conservation, it also provides income to locals as operators of tours, boats, homestays and eateries.
The uniqueness of the Matang Mangrove ecosystem makes it attractive for education and eco-tourism.

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Prospects for Mangroves in Malaysia

During the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2001-2005) period, measures were already taken to intensify the conservation and rehabilitation of mangrove forests, to serve as an effective shoreline defence system against erosion, wave action and tsunamis. This approach to manage the natural resource is being continued in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010), through:  adopting an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy to promote the conservation and preservation of marine and coastal resources;  intensifying the rehabilitation and improvement of coastlines through regeneration and re-vegetation programmes;  developing a comprehensive management plan for mangroves and coastal forests to arrest the mangrove depletion rate to ensure a continuous supply of resources as well as to mitigate the impact of coastal erosion and tsunamis; and  developing a Coastal Vulnerability Index to guide the design of programmes to enhance coastal zone management.

Mangroves location, which is between the land and the sea, plays an important role in fisheries, coastal protection and conservation of biodiversity of both flora and fauna.

CONSERVATION
To preserve the environmental protective function of Matang Mangroves, buffer zones have been established. These buffer zones also serve various other functions, such as:  protecting the river banks from excessive erosion;  minimising the impact of clear-felling operations on the marine ecosystem;  preventing unnecessary loss to the most accessible productive forest areas;  acting as a source of propagules for the immediate felled areas; and providing a pleasant landscape for visitors and tourists. To further conserve the primarily important Rhizophoraceae, a pristine area of 42 hectares of predominantly Rhizophoraceae forest has been designated a Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) since the formulation of the first 10-Year Working Plan. Rhizophora trees in the VJR attain an average girth of 115cm at breast height and total height of 28m.

Mangrove itself is a unique ecosystem, which requires special attention and management. Its location, which is between the land and the sea, plays an important role in fisheries, coastal protection and conservation of biodiversity of both flora and fauna. This is no different in Matang, where it has been a provider of numerous renewable products of commercial value, which have generated economic opportunities for the local communities. The reservation of Matang Mangroves started way back in 1902 and continued until the full gazettment of the present area by 1906 makes it a national heritage and asset. After a hundred years, Matang Mangroves are the best-managed mangrove forests in the world and are a living proof that sustainable management of this ecosystem can preserve its numerous environmental, economic and social roles.
Source:  Matang Mangroves: A Century of Sustainable Management. Matang Mangrove Forest by Perak State Forestry Department Eighth Malaysia Plan, 2001-2005. Ninth Malaysia Plan 2006-2010.

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Malaysias Green Building Index Launched

Century-old timbers recycled from a demolished bottling factory was judiciously used as beams, window frames, verandah and roof trusses in this triple-award winning house in Sierramas, Selangor.

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In tandem with its leaders aspiration for Malaysia to become a developed nation by the year 2020, a Malaysian private-sector initiative has conceptualised the countrys first ever Green Building Index (GBI). Launched by Works Minister, Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor on 21 May 2009, the GBI spells out the standards which a new building must meet before it can stake that green claim. It was developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEM) as part of the effort to green the Malaysian property industry.

hen PAM and ACEM started drafting the green building criteria in 2008, they drew upon industry views and existing schemes such as Singapores Green Mark, Australias Green Star and the United States Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). A private company, Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd (GSB), has been formed to manage the certification scheme. To comply with the GBI, buildings must have an energy consumption of below the national guideline of 150 kilowatt hour per square metre per year (kWh/m/year). Studies show that existing commercial buildings in Malaysia are now at 250 to 350kWh/m/year. In order to be GBI-certified, ones building must first be assessed by a certifier appointed by GSB. A provisional award is then issued. Once the completed building has been verified according to the design, the full award is given. The building must be reassessed every three years to maintain the award. Points are given for performance above benchmarks and current industry practice. Depending on the scores achieved, the buildings will be awarded one of four types of ratings: certified, silver, gold or platinum.

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Only recycled timber is used in the construction of this house in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.

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Different criteria are employed based on each buildings function. Residential buildings are assessed based on sustainable site planning and management. For commercial buildings, however, energy-efficiency and indoor environmental quality are paramount issues. Buildings are evaluated in five areas: (1)  Energy efficiency: use of renewable energy, lighting zoning and low energy consumption; (2)  Indoor environmental quality: mould and air pollutants prevention, thermal comfort, natural lighting, volatile organic compoundsfree paints and formaldehyde-free composite wood, particleboards and plywood; (3)  Sustainable site planning and management: site selection, access to public transport, community services, open spaces and landscaping, redevelopment of existing sites and brownfields (abandoned land or former industrial sites), avoidance of environmentally sensitive sites, construction management (proper earthworks and pollution control) and stormwater management;

Maximisation of natural lighting.

This award-winning house in Kuang, Selangor incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and 100% recycled timber in its design and construction.

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Use of particleboards and plywood enhances indoor environmental quality.

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The GBI calls for sustainable site planning and management, which include open spaces and landscaping.

(4)  Materials and resources: use of environment-friendly, recycled materials and sustainable timber; storage and collection of recyclables; construction waste management; and reuse of construction formwork; and (5)  Water efficiency: rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings.

The first listing of the GBI would be out in August 2009, based on a pilot project involving the assessment of 11 buildings, ranging from office towers to malls, mixed developments and even a car showroom.

The interior of a house in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, where the minimal use of fans and air-conditioning is achieved through architectural elements that shade the house. This idea of achieving low dependency on mechanical cooling has resulted in significant savings in electricity bills for the owners.

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Although the GBI labelling is voluntary, all new structures should strive to be GBI-certified mainly because buildings generally have a large carbon footprint. Many buildings are major emitters of greenhouse gases, which have an enormous impact on the environment, human health and the economy. The World Green Building Council has estimated that buildings collectively emit 33% of global carbon emissions, through the processing of all the glass, steel and concrete that are needed for their construction, plus the energy needed to power, heat and cool these structures. MTC is happy to note that for choice of materials and resources, emphasis is given on the use of environment-friendly, recycled materials and sustainable timber. The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting, Australia has estimated that more than 25 tonnes of greenhouse gases could be saved if timber products were used instead of the common alternatives, to build anything. Projects like Londons Murray Grove, the UKs first multi-storey modular timber housing development with 30 apartments, are also pushing the boundaries on cost and energy-efficiency through the use of engineered timber as the main building material.
Murray Grove. Photo credit: Waugh Thistleton.

A GBI certification criteria is also planned for existing buildings and new townships. This means old buildings which are retrofitted to be energy efficient and less polluting can apply for the GBI award in future. For further information on the GBI, please go to: www.greenbuildingindex.org

Having strips of timber placed vertically as bars in place of walls allows for cross-ventilation for natural cooling of the interior of this award-winning house in Shah Alam, Selangor.

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UN Forum on Forests

UNCSD

8th Session of UN Forum on Forests

17th Session of UN Commission on Sustainable Development

The two-week UNFF8 was attended by over 600 participants. Photo credit: IISD.

The CSD 17 focused on the thematic cluster of agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification and Africa. Photo credit: IISD.

The eighth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF8) was held on 20 April - 1 May 2009 at the UN headquarters in New York. Over 600 participants attended the two-week session, to address:  forests in a changing environment, including forests and climate change, reversing the loss of forest cover and degradation, and forests and biodiversity conservation; and  means of implementation for sustainable forest management (SFM). At the end of the session, delegates adopted a resolution on forests in a changing environment, enhanced cooperation and cross-sectoral policy and programme coordination, and regional and subregional inputs. Delegates did not agree on a decision on financing for SFM, and decided to forward bracketed negotiating text to the Forums next session, scheduled to be held in January 2011. During the meeting, delegates also participated in two Multistakeholder Dialogues, and panel discussions on forests and biodiversity, climate change and desertification, the financial crisis and SFM, and regional perspectives on forests in a changing environment. While the discussions on financing did not lead to an agreed outcome, the extended discussions on forests in a changing environment, the panel presentations and the Multistakeholder Dialogues allowed a glimpse of the Forums potential future role as a body for interaction, dialogue and cooperation in support of SFM implementation. Two years after the adoption of the Non-legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (now referred to by many as the forest instrument) and the Global Objectives on Forests, the UNFF8 concluded without coming to an agreement on how to finance their implementation. This leaves the Forum somewhat in limbo, at the very moment that it is beginning to emerge as a body for interactive dialogue the only such forum supported by universal membership, and capable of delivering a 360-degree perspective on forests, as depicted by UNFFs new Director Jan McAlpine.
Source: ENB Vol. 13 No. 174, 4 May 2009

The 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 17), which convened on 4-15 May 2009, was held at the UN headquarters in New York. The CSD meets annually in two-year Implementation Cycles, with each cycle focusing on one thematic cluster alongside cross-sectoral issues. This approach was outlined in a multi-year programme of work (2004-2017) adopted at CSD 11 in 2003. Each cycle is comprised of a Review Year and a Policy Year. CSD 16, in May 2008, conducted a review of barriers and constraints in implementation, as well as lessons learned and best practices, in relation to the thematic cluster. CSD 17 negotiated policy recommendations based on CSD 16s review of the issues and the development of a draft Chairs Negotiating Text during an Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting, which convened in February 2009. The agenda for CSD 17 covered a complex cluster of interrelated issues - agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification, and Africa - and took place against the backdrop of a confluence of related global crises - food prices, energy and financial, in addition to global attention to the challenge of climate change. Delegates at CSD 17 were expected to respond by identifying meaningful policy options to issues that reach to the heart of sustainable development. It did respond, with a lengthy and detailed consensus decision, and a Shared Vision statement from ministers. However the decision was not particularly forward-looking as it did not quite send a clear message as to how sustainability, in particular sustainable agriculture, can be part of the solution in addressing poverty and climate change. The session thus, provided a cause to reflect on the place of CSD in the universe of sustainable development governance.
Source: ENB Vol. 5 No. 281, 18 May 2009

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UNECE Water Convention

Asia Forest Partnership

Workshop on Forests and Water

8th Asia Forest Partnership Meeting

Seventeen presentations were made at the workshop. Photo credit: MCPFE.

Participants were strongly in favour of a REDD mechanism to preserve the worlds forests. Photo credit: AFP.

The workshop on forests and water entitled Sustainable Forest Management and Influences on Water Resources Coordinating Policies on Forests and Water, was held on 12-14 May 2009 in Antalya, Turkey. The workshop was based on the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) Warsaw Resolution 2: Forests and Water and work under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Water Convention on ecosystem services. It examined the complex interrelations and mutual influences of forests and water, how countries approach these topics, and how this is and could be reflected in forest and water policies in the pan-European and UNECE region and neighbouring states. The objectives of the workshop were to:  exchange experiences on forest and water management tools and policies that contribute to realise water related forest ecosystem services;  explore cross-sectorial work and how the coordination of forest and water policies could be conducted at national and regional levels; and  explore payment for ecosystem services schemes and other measures that broaden and diversify the financial basis for sustainable forest management and help maintain the protective functions of forests.
Source: MCPFE, http://www.mcpfe.org.

More than 270 participants from over 50 countries met on 27-29 May 2009 in Bali, Indonesia to discuss about illegal logging, and how it might affect a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation - or REDD. The two-day 8th Asia Forest Partnership (AFP) Meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders in tropical forests to share information, establish partnerships and propose recommendations to policymakers. The AFP meeting examined the links between mechanisms to compensate countries for REDD and efforts to combat illegal logging and the associated timber trade. The major issues concerning forest-dependent people in relation to REDD and illegal logging, which were elaborated during the meeting, included: raising community awareness of REDD;  building capacity of communities to respond to REDD threats and opportunities;  clarifying forest tenure and ownership of carbon rights within the REDD framework;  addressing the need for meaningful participation of communities in processes to formulate and implement REDD demonstration activities and national REDD frameworks;  enhancing livelihood opportunities for communities as part of avoided deforestation strategies;  developing equitable and sustainable financial distribution mechanisms;  facilitating interactions between communities and concessionaires under REDD; and  employing and rewarding community-based forest management for climate change mitigation. Participants at the AFP were strongly in favour of a REDD mechanism to preserve the worlds forests. Many were concerned, however, about the workability of REDD and whether or not the money would go to those who need it most. Forest-dependent communities are often poor and marginalised but it is their livelihoods that could be jeopardised if they are not properly compensated under REDD for reduced access to forests for income and food.
Source: AFP, http://www.asiaforests.org.

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UNFCCC / Kyoto Protocol

Climate Change

Bonn Climate Change Talks

High-level Conference on Fighting Climate Change with Carbon Capture and Storage

The main focus in Bonn was to enhance international climate change cooperation. Photo credit: IISD.

Eight key messages were raised during the conference. Photo credit: IISD.

Over 3,500 delegates convened in Bonn, Germany, from 1-12 June 2009 to participate in four meetings as part of ongoing negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. The Conventions Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) held their 30th sessions. The sixth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA 6) and the eighth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Protocol (AWG-KP 8) also took place. The participants represented governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, academia, the private sector and the media. The main focus in Bonn was to enhance international climate change cooperation, including in the post-2012 period when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires. The long-term issues were considered by the AWG-LCA and AWG-KP, which are both scheduled to conclude their work by the fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009. Eighteen months after parties to the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol adopted the Bali Road Map, consisting of two negotiating tracks to enhance international cooperation to address climate change, comprehensive negotiating texts are now on the table but it remains to be seen how these documents will evolve over the next six months and what may eventually be adopted in Copenhagen in December. However, whatever the outcome in Copenhagen, the main ideas will most likely be contained in documents that were developed in Bonn during the first two weeks of June 2009.
Source: ENB Vol. 12 No. 421, 15 June 2009

The High-level Conference on Fighting Climate Change with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) took place in Bergen, Norway on 27-28 May 2009. The conference sought to provide an arena for high-level policy makers and other key stakeholders to discuss concrete experiences, priorities, ideas and initiatives to achieve a comprehensive global approach for delivering climate solutions. At the close of the conference, Jonas Gahr Stre, Norways Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented a Chairs summary of the meeting. The summary concluded that:  a comprehensive approach to reduce CO2 emissions must include CCS;  CCS can play a key role in the transition to a low emission society;  more large-scale demonstration plants, more R&D and a major scaling-up of present CCS efforts are needed;  stimulating framework conditions are necessary to encourage wide-scale capture and storage;  transport and storage projects must minimise the risk of negative impacts to the environment, health and safety;  private sector companies have a particular role to make CCS commercially viable;  CCS must be made accessible to developing countries; and  CCS should feature in discussions at the UN Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December 2009 and in other relevant flora. The Chairs summary also indicated that the international community must move forward with a suite of options, including CCS as a key technology. It stressed that the deployment of new technologies, including CCS, depends on public confidence and strong political leadership to build public confidence on safety and environmental impacts.
Source: ENB Vol.163, No. 1, 1 June 2009

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Jordan

Bahrain

Project Near East 2009

GULFBID 2009

Enquiries being attended to at the MTC booth.

Trade visitors at the MTC booth.

MTC participated in the 6th edition of Project Near East 2009, which was held at Amman Exhibitions Park in Amman, Jordan on 4-7 May 2009. Project Near East 2009 was a construction exhibition serving the markets of Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Palestinian territories. Among the building materials exhibited were sawntimber, plywood, MDF, wooden doors, veneer, wood-based flooring and claddings. The event featured 240 companies from 28 countries, which displayed their products spread over a total exhibition space of 9,000m. The exhibitors included 11 national groupings from Italy, France, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Germany, Kazakhstan, China, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The total number of registered trade visitors was 7,104 including 1,279 from neighbouring countries. Malaysian wood-based companies intending to enter the Jordan market used the exhibition as a platform to introduce their range of products, assess market potential and establish initial contact with the local timber trading fraternity.

MTC participated in GULFBID 2009, which was the fourth edition of the Gulf International Exhibition for Construction, Interiors and Furniture. The exhibition showcased a broad range of building materials including wood-based products such as sawntimber, plywood, MDF, veneer, wooden doors, wood-based flooring and furniture. Woodworking machinery was also among the exhibits. A total of 177 companies exhibited their products and services in the fair spread over 7,000 m2 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Manama City, Bahrain on 5 - 7 May 2009. These included 53 Bahraini and 122 international companies. Trade visitors to the three-day fair totalled about 3,500. Most of the visitors were from Bahrain followed by Saudi Arabia (mainly from Al Khobar and Dammam) and the rest were from UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, UK, Germany, Lebanon, Oman and India. Although the fair was relatively small compared to the other similar regional fairs, the growing number of participants showed that GULFBID 2009 had good potential for showcasing ones products to Bahrains construction and interior furnishing sectors. The fair was also a useful platform for Malaysian wood-based companies seeking to establish initial contact with importers and market players of Bahrains wood-based and furniture sectors.

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Germany

Malaysia

Timber Mission

MTC Timber Talk Series

The mission delegates at a wood processing factory.

Mr. Ng Wun Pin elaborating on the advantages of using timber roofs.

MTC organised a Timber Mission to Germany on 16-24 May 2009. The mission delegation included nine participants from six companies. The mission provided opportunities for members of the Malaysian timber industry to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the current status of the German timber industry as well as create business contacts for possible joint-ventures to promote product diversification in the Malaysian timber processing and manufacturing sector. Besides visiting some wood processing factories such as furniture and glu-laminated timber manufacturing plants, the delegation also attended a Timber Frame Construction Symposium, Designing With Wood on 19 May 2009. The symposium was organised by Deutsche Messe AG in conjunction with LIGNA 2009, the World Fair for the Forestry and Wood Industries, held in Hannover on 18-22 May 2009.

The MTC Timber Talk Series on Timber Roofs was held on 9 June 2009 at MTC HQ, Kuala Lumpur. It was the second of four Timber Talks scheduled for this year. The talk was attended by 45 participants comprising architects, students as well as members of the timber industry and representatives from government agencies who were interested in learning more about timber roof systems. The speaker, Mr. Ng Wun Pin from Multinail Asia Sdn. Bhd., discussed the usage of timber as a material in roof construction as well as covered topics and issues related to timber roof truss and prefabricated timber truss systems. He elaborated on the advantages of using timber roofs instead of steel roofs by comparing factors such as safety, strength, environmental impact and fire performance of these materials. He also showed examples of projects using timber roofs.

Participants at the Talk.

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Myanmar

Italy & France

Resource and Business Mission

Business Visit

Meeting at Myanmar Timber Enterprise.

Visit to an importer in Milan, Italy.

MTC organised a Resource and Business Mission to Myanmar on 10-12 June 2009 to create business opportunities and linkages between members of the timber sectors of Myanmar and Malaysia. The mission also provided opportunities for participants to strengthen cooperation with suppliers and manufacturers of timber materials and products in Myanmar. A total of nine participants from four Malaysian wood-based companies participated in the mission. The delegation visited the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise as well as participated in a business-matching session with members of the Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association. The participants also visited three woodworking factories during the mission.

MTC organised a Business Visit to Italy and France on 7-13 June 2009. The objectives of the visit were:  To enhance trade relations and increase the timber trade;  To strengthen Malaysias presence in the Italy and France timber product markets; To seek trade opportunities in the timber sector; and  To exchange ideas and information on timber utilisation. A total of six Malaysian wood-based companies participated in the business visit.

A B2B meeting in Paris, France.

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