Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) was set up in 2007 as a non-profit, science-based and non-political Malaysian-based organization, with a vision to promote sustainable development of the 130 million-year old fragile ecosystems of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest Complex (BTRC) and to meet the challenges of balancing forest conservation and development. PBF undertakes research or raises funds to finance research programmes for studies on various aspects of the tropical rainforest ecosystems with special emphasis to BTRC. It also conducts manpower trainings and disseminates knowledge and information to public on the conservation of biological diversity and sustainable management of the natural tropical rainforests. PBF has organized two scientific expeditions in 2012 and 2015 in BTRC involving altogether 350 scientists and assistant scientists. A lot of new species on flora and fauna were recorded during the 10-day expedition. PBF has provided small research grants to few post-graduate students from both local and international universities. Their researches are mainly on biodiversity conservation of flora and fauna of BTRC. In October 2016, PBF in collaboration with public and private sector organisations has organized an International Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Tropical Rainforests or better known as the Belum Rainforest Summit 2016. Five main themes were discussed during the Summit namely Biodiversity conservation and restoration, Tackling climate change issues, Global funding opportunities, Payment of ecosystem services and Green and sustainable investment. Five keynote speakers, 13 invited speakers and 42 oral presentations were deliberated within the five-day Summit covering the 5 main themes. PBF is also involved in conducting environmental educational programme for the school children under Green Ranger Malaysia and Kids for Temengor Expedition (KITE) programmes in collaboration with its NGO partner, Yayasan EMKAY.

Biography

Abdul Rashid Ab Malik spent his entire career with a premier R&D institution, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong for 32 years until he retired in September 2011. He started his career as a Research Officer in 1979 and held various positions at FRIM. His last post was the Deputy Director General (Research and Development) before he retired. After he retired in 2011, he joined Technology Park Malaysia Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Bukit Jalil as a Project Consultant for one year. In July 2014, he joined Pulau Banding Foundation, Malaysia, a science-based NGO as a CEO until today. He graduated with BS (Forestry) from UPM in 1979; MSc from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London in 1986 and PhD from University of London, London in 2003. He authored and coauthored more than 90 publications. He attended various international meetings and conferences on behalf of FRIM and Malaysian Government during his career with FRIM including the International Tropical Timber Organization Council Meeting in Yokohama, Japan; FAO Forestry Minister Meeting in Rome; and ASEAN Forestry Minister Meeting in Beijing.

Email: rashidmalik53@gmail.com