Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found in the natural world. It usually includes various species, ecosystems and genetic diversity within a given species. Biodiversity is often an issue of concern when it is related to various developments to be carried out on a particular undisturbed land, forest and others. Previously, it is yet to have stringent regulations on biodiversity aspects in Malaysia. Due to the rapid growth in both economic and population, more developments need to be done and thus the negative effects on biodiversity are gradually increasing. 

Among few and existing national policies, laws and regulations that covered on biodiversity in Malaysia include:

        I.            National Forest Act 1984 (Act 313)

 The National Forest Act 1984 is an act use to provide for the administration, management and conservation of forests and forestry development within the States of Malaysia. This act is applied throughout Malaysia. However, as land matters are constitutionally the rights of the states, major decisions such as gazettement and degazettement of forest reserves are within the powers of the state government.

     II.            National Conservation Strategy 1993

 The National Conservation Strategy 1993 is formed under the Economy Planning Unit (EPU) and Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MOSTE). The conservation strategy emphasized on the conservation of natural resources, sustainable development and improve efficient in resource use and management.

   III.            National Policy on Biodiversity 1998

 This policy is formed under the National Technical Committee on Biodiversity which aimed to set out a policy, strategy and action plan of programs for effective conservation and management on biodiversity and to ensure that its components are utilized in a sustainable manner for the continued progress and socio economic development of the nation. The functions of this policy are to enhance sustainable use of resources, strengthen biodiversity management and introduce new biodiversity legislation.

 IV.            Wildlife Conservation Act 2010

The Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 is expected to replace the previous Protection of Wildlife Act which had been formed since 1972. This Act applies to Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan which provides the protection and conservation of wildlife for matters connected wherewith such as anthropogenic development.

Do you know any of your local, national and/or perhaps regional  biodiversity policies? It will be great if you can also share your country's commitment in the national policies on biodiversity protection.

Photo credit: biodiversity.bt