National Biology Diversity Conference 2024: Planters International Berhad Showcases Cutting-Edge Technology for Biodiversity Conservation

Putrajaya, 1 October 2024 – The National Biology Diversity Conference 2024 (NBDC 2024) hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through the Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC) was an unparalleled platform for government officials, industry leaders, environmentalists, and stakeholders to discuss, showcase, and strategize on Malaysia's biodiversity conservation efforts. The conference, held at the Zenith Hotel, Putrajaya, was a significant milestone for Malaysia’s conservation agenda, themed “Jadilah Sebahagian Daripada Pelan” (“Be Part of the Plan”), emphasizing collective action in safeguarding our natural heritage.

Opening and Key Highlights

The conference was opened by YBrs. Puan Norsham binti Abdul Latip, Deputy Secretary General (Management) of NRES, and officially launched by YBhg. Datuk Dr. Ching Thoo a/l Kim, Chief Secretary of NRES, on behalf of the Minister, YB Nik Nazmi bin Nik Ahmad. The keynote address focused on Malaysia’s strategic plans to address biodiversity loss, enhance conservation efforts, and foster sustainable development practices, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to leading conservation initiatives in Southeast Asia.

The event gathered key representatives from government departments across the nation, alongside international experts, to discuss critical topics such as community empowerment in biodiversity, ecosystem conservation, and sustainable management practices. The collaboration across ministries and sectors highlighted Malaysia’s determination to strengthen its role as a megadiverse country in the global conservation arena.

Planters International Berhad's Technological Showcase

Planters International Berhad was honored to be invited to this prestigious event to present and showcase our technological innovations and the advanced operational tech solutions we have employed in biodiversity management. Our focus was on how cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to achieve sustainable biodiversity management, a field in which Planters has made significant strides.

Our flagship solution, Active Forest Asset Management (AFAM), drew immense interest from attendees, including representatives from the Forestry and Wildlife Departments from multiple states. AFAM integrates a wide array of innovative tools to monitor and manage forest ecosystems effectively. We presented the following key technological features:

1. Autonomous Drone Nest System (ADNS): Drones, housed in automated nests, can conduct scheduled flights, providing comprehensive data for forest monitoring and thermal tracking on wildlife, bee hives, fire and illegal poachers.

2. IoT-Based Monitoring Devices: Through microcontrollers, edge devices, and transmitters, AFAM allows for real-time data collection and analysis, ensuring that forest assets are monitored efficiently.

3. Digital Forest Scanning (SLAM Technology): With the use of Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM), we are able to create precise, real-time digital maps of forest areas, enabling more accurate management decisions.

4. Bioacoustics for Wildlife Detection: This technology enables the detection and tracking of various species, especially endangered wildlife, through sound data, ensuring the preservation of biodiversity in critical habitats.

5. Satellite Connectivity: By integrating satellite communication systems, our AFAM ecosystem provides consistent and reliable connectivity even in the most remote areas, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring.

6. Sustainable Repurposing of Vegetative Waste: Planters also demonstrated its approach to turning vegetative waste from degraded forest areas into biomass and biochar. This supports Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) projects, aligning conservation with global sustainability goals.

Industry Support and Collaborative Efforts

Our success at NBDC 2024 was greatly supported by our esteemed technology partners, who played a crucial role in making these technological solutions a reality. We would like to thank Forge Research and Development Centre, Forest Precision Tech, SpaceIn, Top Systems, South Instruments, DronesKaki, DJI Enterprise, MPMC, and Cytron Technologies for their collaboration and commitment to biodiversity conservation.

These technologies showcased during the conference garnered significant interest from government departments and attendees. The active involvement and interest from various state forestry and wildlife departments led to the scheduling of further discussions and meetings over the next few months. These meetings aim to explore how the AFAM ecosystem and other tech solutions presented by Planters can be adopted to bolster biodiversity management efforts nationwide.

Fostering Strategic Collaborations for Conservation

The discussions at the conference extended beyond technological showcases. They emphasized the importance of forming strategic partnerships and implementing innovative solutions for biodiversity conservation. Topics covered in the plenary sessions, led by industry experts and government officials, included:

- Empowering Indigenous and Local Communities for Biodiversity Conservation (Presented by Dr. Colin Nicholas, Centre for Orang Asli Concerns)

- Mapping Ecosystems for Conservation (Presented by Dr. Hamidah Mamat, FRIM)

- Biological Safety and Its Importance to Human Health and the Environment (Presented by Dr. Norwati Adnan, NRES)

These sessions highlighted the critical role of communities, technology, and policy in ensuring the preservation of biodiversity. It was inspiring to witness the depth of commitment and the range of innovative strategies being implemented to address the environmental challenges Malaysia faces today.

A Platform for Progress and a Future of Possibilities

The National Biology Diversity Conference 2024 has undeniably positioned itself as an important platform for fostering collaboration between government agencies, corporations, and NGOs. The interactions we had with various stakeholders and potential partners have opened new opportunities for Planters International Berhad to expand our impact on a national scale.

We look forward to future collaborations with state departments and partners to further advance our mission in biodiversity management. The technologies showcased at NBDC 2024 provide a glimpse into the future of conservation—one where digital solutions and innovative thinking work hand in hand with nature, ensuring that our forests and ecosystems remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.