68 FGV HOLDINGS BERHAD ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The first in Peninsular Malaysia, the RCIC is poised to be a one-stop centre for research, education and conservation of this endangered species and is being developed in collaboration with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). The centre will be managed by FRIM, with research focused on inventory and species mapping, Rafflesia-host plant interaction and ex-situ conservation elements. It will also serve as a venue for international symposiums, workshops and environmental awareness programmes for both the public and the scientific community. The location of the centre, which is in Gerik, Perak, is significant as it is the only area in Peninsular Malaysia that is native to three Rafflesia species — Rafflesia Azlanii, Rafflesia Cantleyi and Rafflesia Kerrii. Two of these species (Rafflesia Azlanii and Rafflesia Cantleyi) are endemic to Peninsular Malaysia, which means they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The fact that these species are found near many FGV/FELDA plantations is a key reason why it is essential for FGV to invest in the research and conservation of the Rafflesia and its unique ecosystem. Mega Biodiversity Corridor Conservation Project In March 2017, we contributed RM1.7 million to support the re-establishment, restoration and protection of key migratory routes, especially of Borneo pygmy elephants and orangutans, to allow safe migration within the Lower Kinabatangan Basin in Sabah. Developed in partnership with the Borneo Conservation Trust (BCT), the project has since conducted a number of activities such as organising the ‘Honorary Wildlife Warden’ (HWW) capacity building programme in November 2018. Some 30 participants including tour operators, FGV staff and NGOs participated in the three-day programme designed to train participants to assist the Sabah Wildlife Department’s (SWD) enforcement unit in patrolling and tracking illegal poaching. Upon passing the exam set by the SWD, participants received a certificate and Wildlife Warden Card that is valid for three years, enabling them to carry out patrolling duties in their areas of work. What is the RCIC? • The first one-stop centre in Peninsular Malaysia for research, education and conservation of Rafflesia. • A collaboration between FGV and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to focus on: - inventory and species mapping - Rafflesia-host plant interaction - ex-situ conservation elements Gerik, Perak the only area in Peninsular Malaysia that is native to the following three Rafflesia species: Location: • Rafflesia azlanii • Rafflesia cantleyi • Rafflesia kerrii One of the expected outcomes of this programme is the development of a sun bear action plan for Malaysia and sun bear management guidelines to ensure the long-term protection of this species. These are targeted to be launched in 2020. Status No. of Bears 2019 Total No. of Bears (2015-2019) Rescued 13 55 Rehabilitation 14 37 Released 6 39 Dead/Euthanised 2 4 Currently in captivity 11 11 Rafflesia Conservation & Interpretation Centre (RCIC)
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