HCV Malaysia launches guide for managing, monitoring HCVs
KUCHING: The High Conservation Value (HCV) Malaysia Steering Committee Group on Monday launched The Malaysian National Interpretation (MYNI) for the Management and Monitoring of HCVs.
The document, which was produced through a multistakeholder consultation process, can be used as a guidance to achieve or maintain sustainability certification for a range of commodities, including palm oil and timber.
The document adapts and interprets the general management and monitoring of HCVs, which are globally established, as well as defines generic terms and values outlined in HCV Network (HCVN) Common Guidance, according to the local context in Malaysia.
“High Conservation Values are present in both the forested and agriculturallandscapesinMalaysia, and it is critical to maintain them for their environmental and social importance.
“Both international and local certifications have criteria that emphasises on the maintenance of HCVs,” said Siti Syaliza Mustapha of the Malaysian Timber Certification Council, which is a member of the HCV Malaysia Toolkit Steering Committee.
“This new document will provide HCV assessors, resource managers, and auditors with guidance on the best practices when it comes to the management and monitoring of HCVs in Malaysia.”
The MYNI for the Management and Monitoring of HCVs is a key addition to the Malaysian HCV Toolkit, published in 2018. An example of a specific guidance relevant to Malaysia is the section in the MYNI document on how to enhance the management and monitoring of wildlife saltlicks.
Saltlicks are natural sites rich with mineral deposits and are visited by wildlife, including large mammals such as elephants and tapir, to fulfil their nutritional needs.
“The High Conservation Value Approach provides a holistic and pragmatic framework for land managers to protect nature and people impacted by development projects.
“The new National Interpretation for managing and monitoring HCVs in Malaysia which consolidates the knowledge and experience of a broad range of stakeholders from across Malaysia - will be a key reference document to support land managers develop and implement plans to maintain critical conservation values.