KUCHING: The results of research and discussions at conservation conferences need to be translated into policies and actions that can have a real impact on biodiversity conservation efforts and the country's sustainable development.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the success of a conference should not be judged based on the number of academic presentations or discussions held, but rather through the implementation of policies, strengthening strategic collaborations and measurable results.

According to him, scientific discoveries cannot remain as academic publications or conference proceedings, but rather need to be utilised in the formulation of public policies, conservation planning, environmental governance and sustainable development for the benefit of society and nature.

“You can speak about anything you want, for as long as you want, but if it is not translated into policy and approved through the due process, whether at the Cabinet, State Legislative Assembly or Parliament level, it will still be just an academic endeavor.

“Therefore, you need to convince policymakers that your ideas are feasible, pragmatic and sustainable,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the Malaysia Conservation Conference (MCC) 2.0 at a hotel here, on Wednesday.

At the same time, he expressed hope that the conference could produce scientific resolutions and comprehensive policy proposals to be used as an ongoing action plan, instead of merely a conference document.

In this regard, he suggested that a monitoring mechanism be established to assess the implementation of each resolution so that achievements could be measured, reported and improved at future conferences.

Commenting further, Datuk Len Talif also recognised the important role of indigenous peoples and local communities who continue to contribute through traditional knowledge and management of forests, rivers and ecosystems that complement modern conservation practices.

He said that although conservation issues start at the local level, their impact has major implications for the international community.

“Conservation issues may be local in nature, but they have international implications.

“That is why, regardless of Sarawak being a small dot on the world map, or Malaysia as a small nation, the impact of what we do has a global impact,” he added.

Also present were Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) General Manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, Deputy Director (Conservation) of the Department of Wildlife Protection and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) Dato Fakhrul Hatta Musa, Director of Sabah Parks Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim, Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and other dignitaries. -UKASnews