KUCHING: Drawing on the positive feedbacks received from graduates of the recently concluded Conservation Internship Programme (CIP) for Forest Management Certification (FMC) in 2017 and the supporting timber industry, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), with funding from Sarawak Timber Association (STA) are organising a second batch of CIP for FMC.
CIP for FMC was first developed in 2016 under the Research for Intensified Management of Bio-Rich Areas of Sarawak (RIMBA Sarawak) to, among many others, address shortage of expertise in flora and fauna conservation practices in Sarawak.
The nine-month intensive programme includes classroom theory, practical/field exposure and attachment with Forest Management Units (FMUs). To date, 14 interns have graduated from the first CIP for FMC in a Certificate Presentation Ceremony held on January 17, 2018. 13 conservationists are currently employed by the timber companies in the State to assist them in achieving FMC, in line with the State Government’s Policy for all long term timber licenses to be certified by the year 2022.
The second batch of CIP for FMC, involving 15 shortlisted interns, will commence in April 2018 and will continue to be assisted by several parties, i.e. timber industry in providing industrial attachment as well as international and local educational institutions and conservation NGOs in imparting knowledge and skills using revised training modules which include additional knowledge on conservation in other areas, i.e. planted forests and oil palm plantation.
Graduates from this latest CIP for FMC will also be appointed as Honorary Wildlife Ranger (HWR). A simple opening ceremony was held on April 16 at SFC’s Corporate Office, attended by the interns as well as representatives from SFC and STA, including Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hj. Zolkipli Mohamad Aton.
