Project/activity information

Systematic approach of managing forest resources, also known as Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), has evolved throughout the years to fulfil environmental and conservation needs, as well as, achieve optimum economic production. This practice was carried out systematically where damaged to the stand was minimised and controlled during timber harvesting, taking into consideration other aspects such as environment and biological diversity.

Over the years, Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) as a key component of SFM has gained much of attentions especially when it takes into consideration aspects such as environment and biological diversity in its intensive planning and carefully controlled timber harvesting operations to minimise environmental impact on forest stands and soil. This has not only believed to enhance the productivity of the residual stand and to shorten the cutting cycle but also believed to reduce forest degradation in terms of total carbon stocks.

While considerable progress has been made towards some aspects of RIL, attitudes and implementation on the ground have changed little in many areas. Moreover, awareness about RIL and understanding of its concepts and components remain weak. There are concerns that the implementations of RIL are not being met so far and thus affecting the productivity of the residual stands and biological diversity. This was believed to be due to the lack of trained and skilled personal on the ground as well as lack of RIL training (RIL training manuals and modules, and RIL training curriculum), RIL training centre and RIL demonstration site (field training station). Therefore, it is very crucial that formal knowledge and skills on RIL and its implementation on the ground be inculcated among trainers and forest workers.