𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗚𝗖𝗙 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

GENTING HIGHLANDS, May 7 2024 – Today, the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, officiated the opening ceremony of the Biodiversity Forum 2024, marking the official commencement of the event.

The Biodiversity Forum 2024 is held at Resorts World Awana, Genting Highlands, Pahang, from today until May 9, 2024.

Also present during the opening ceremony were the Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Planning & Management) of Ministry of Plantation & Commodities, Dato’ Abdul Hadi Omar; the Director General of Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Dato’ Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Prof. Dr. Suriani Abu Bakar; MPOGCF Chairman, Dato’ Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli and MPOGCF General Manager, Mr. Hairulazim Mahmud.

The inaugural event is being hosted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) as strategic partners.

With the theme “The Other Malaysians: Living Together in Harmony”, the forum aims to underscore the importance of safeguarding Malaysian rich biodiversity including three iconic wildlife species: the Bornean Orangutan, the Malayan Tiger, and the Bornean Pygmy Elephant, symbolizing Malaysian palm oil industry’s commitment in biodiversity conservation, especially within oil palm plantation landscapes.

Mad Zaidi in his welcoming remarks stated, the Biodiversity Forum 2024, also known as Bio-D Forum 2024, serves as a vital meeting platform for conservation scientists, plantation sustainability professionals, researchers, students, environmental educators, practitioners, and other conservation stakeholders.

He said, participants of the forum will engage in lively discussions and scientific presentations covering a wide array of topics, including biodiversity conservation, ecology, conservation marketing, challenges, best practices, and the palm oil industry.

Esteemed speakers, such as Director of Group Sustainability Bursa Malaysia, Dr. Ahmad Hezri Adnan, and Chief Executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA), Joseph Tek Choon Yee, will deliver keynote addresses, offering valuable insights into pressing issues in biodiversity conservation.

The forum will feature five engaging sessions, each exploring specific themes: “Sustainability and Best Practices”, “Human-Wildlife Coexistence”, “Conservation Efforts by the Industry”, “Conservation Education and Awareness”, and “Policy and Regulations”.

Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions, participants will engage in interactive sessions, poster presentations, and networking events, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Furthermore, a Gala Dinner event for the Biodiversity Forum 2024 will be held on the evening of May 8, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of the conservation community.

As part of the forum’s side events, participants will have the opportunity to visit the National Elephant Conservation Centre (NECC) in Kuala Gandah, Pahang and the Malayan Tiger Conservation Centre (MTCC) in Lanchang, Pahang, as well as participate in fun activities such as tree planting and guided walks on May 9, 2024.