Environmental values based on forest goods and services

Abstract

The four PhD projects conducted by Puat Dahalan, Rahmad Zakaria, Vanna dan Sareth have shown the crucial roles played by forest ecosystems in Malaysia and Cambodia. Puat conducted the island forests of Langkawi and observed several native tree species. While Rahmad indicated that some parts of Penang had been logged. However it still had a good forest ecosystem particularly at Pantai Acheh. Vanna observed the local communities utilized some of the forest products in Cambodian. This is to overcome poverty, therefore forest products are easy to obtain. Sareth indicated forest ecosystems either deciduous or evergreen had played crucial roles for providing niches for rich primate biodiversity. Although only cover 7% of land surface but forest hold 50 % biological diversity. The benefits can be based on global, national and local standings. For the global benefits are the greenhouse gas emissions. Forests make a significant contribution to climate regulation. It has been stated that forests are rich in biodiversity. In addition to timbers, commercially exploited natural resources contain biological active compounds with medicinal properties. From 2000 to 2010, the FAO estimates 13 million ha lost and therefore moderating soil erosion, hydrological system and hosts for biodiversity. The investment driven deforestation will open up whole regions to settlements. Unfortunately timber companies contribute largely to deforestations. Perhaps the millennium development goals in 2000 to address issues of poverty and hunger alleviation, education, gender equality, child health and disease are difficult to achieve. Forest dwellers are generally traditional and indigenous people. They have enjoyed living in the forests and are knowledgeable about the plants and animals in their forest surroundings. Their harmoniously living close to nature with good air quality and clean water are a gift of life.