Green Practices Guideline for Forest Operation

It is crucial to establish a clear understanding of the definition of a forest in the context of this guideline. A forest is defined as an area of land with a minimum size of 0.5 hectare and a tree crown cover (or equivalent stocking level) of at least 30%, consisting of trees with the potential to reach a minimum height of 2-5 meters at maturity in situ. Forests can be classified as closed forest formations, where trees of various storeys and undergrowth cover a significant proportion of the ground or open forests. This definition includes young natural stands and plantations that have yet to reach a crown density of 10-30% or a tree height of 2-5 meters. Sustainable forest development is a critical goal within the concept of sustainable development and green technology. Forests are resilient ecosystems, but they have limits to their ability to withstand environmental changes. When these limits are exceeded, forests degrade. Therefore, sustainable forest development involves recognising the limitations of forests to withstand environmental change and managing human activities to maximise benefits within these limits. The three critical parameters of sustainable forest development are productive capacity, renewal capacity, and species and ecological diversity. It is important to differentiate forest operations from logging activities. Forest operations encompass all technical and administrative processes involved in developing technical facilities and structures, harvesting timber, and maintaining and improving the quality of forest stands and habitats. Harvesting, a key activity in forest operations, includes all operations from felling to transporting logs to the mill. Forest operations management plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable practices and optimising the utilisation of forest resources. The Green Practices Guideline for Forest Operation provides recommendations and proposed actions to promote sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector. By implementing these green practices, the forest industry can contribute to the preservation and responsible management of Malaysia’s forests, supporting the goals of the Green Technology Master Plan and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. FOREST OPERATIONS IN CONTEXT Considering physical law, engineering knowledge, and environmental relationship of the forest ecosystem Considering impacts on the natural and social environment, efficient use of natural resources including renewable materials, non- renewable materials, water, energy and space 02 ECONOMICALLY VIABLE 04 INSTITUTIONAL FEASIBLE 01 TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE 03 ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND Considering the cost and benefit of short- ranges and long-range consequences Considering the law and regulations governing operations, forest management objectives and social values 10 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR FOREST OPERATION