Project Leader: Dr Gopalasamy Reuben Clements
Malaysia hosts the oldest tropical rainforests in world, dating back 130 million years, significantly contributing to carbon sink, biodiversity, environmental services and eco-heritage. According to the National Biodiversity Index, Malaysia is ranked 12th of the megadiverse countries in the world. Yet, the loss of primary forest is a huge threat to the ecosystem that not only endangers flora and fauna, but causes flooding due to soil degradation and river sedimentation. This study aspires to uphold the commitment made by the Malaysian government to ensure that at least 50% of land area remains permanently under forest cover. This research explores potential solutions to increase forest cover and improve the biodiversity in Malaysia via proper management, intergovernmental responsibilities and international frameworks and mechanisms.
- Clements GR, Aziz SA, Giam X, Bentrupperbaunmer J, Goosem M, Laurance S & Laurance WF (2018). Not everyone wants roads: assessing indigenous people’s support for roads in a globally important tiger conservation landscape. HUMAN ECOLOGY. DOI – PDF
- Wijedasa L, Sloan S, Page SE, Clements GR, Lupascu M & Evans TA (2018). Carbon emissions from Southeast Asian peatlands will increase despite REDD+ program. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 24: 4598-4613. DOI – PDF
- Ratnayeke S, van Manen FT, Clements GR, Mohd Kulaimi NA & Sharp SP (2018). Carnivore hotspots in Peninsular Malaysia and their landscape attributes. PLOS ONE 13(4): e0194217. DOI – PDF
