The Rehabilitation of the Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems in Sarawak, Malaysia : Four-year Results of a Scientific Study by Universiti Pertanian Malaysia and Yokohama National University Japan

A study was conducted on the application of the Miyawaki forest rehabilitation technique toward creating a stand of native Malaysian primary forest trees (Dipterocarps and Non Dipterocarps) in degraded sites on the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Bintulu campus in Sarawak. This project was sponsored by the Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan. This report is a complete description of a four-year project for rehabilitation of tropical rainforest in Sarawak, Malaysia. From the results, planting of indigenous species in open areas especially abandoned shifting-cultivation areas, can be very successful. Species recommended for planting in open areas are Dryobalanops aromatica, Shorea leprosula, S. macrophylla, S. ovata, Hopea kerangsensis, Whiteodendron moultianum, Vatica nitens and Pentaspodon motleyi. Species of Eugenia sp. and Calophyllum ferrugenium are not recommended because of their slow growth. Shorea mecistopteryx can grow well in open areas but needs a site where a strong wind does not occur. Shorea mecistopteryx has a big leaves which are easily blow off in strong wind, and if this happens, the seedlings can die easily. Shorea mecistopteryx can be found in Mixed Dipterocarp Forest on gently undulating low hills throughout Sarawak. For planting of indigenous species under shade or under trees, the species recommended are Shorea ovata, S. macrophylla, S. mecistopteryx, S. leprosula, S. gibbosa, Hopea kerangasensis, H. beccariana, Dryobalanops aromatica, D. beccarii, Pentaspodon motleyi, Eusideroxylon zwageri, Durio zybethinus and Garcinia sp. This paper also describes several problems which have been ecounted.Contributed paper for the Department of Vegetation Science, Institute of Environmental Science and Technology, Yokohama Natlonal University, No.219