Application of genetics and genomics to research and conservation in a biodiversity hotspot
Aplicación de la genética y la genómica a la investigación y la conservación en un punto caliente de la biodiversidad
Principal investigator
Jennifer A. Leonard
Financial institution
Programa CSIC de Cooperación Científca
Fecha de inicio
Fecha de fin
Code
COOPB20574
Researchers
Omar, Hasmahzaiti (University of Malaya); Binti Ragai, Roslina (Sarawak Forestry Corporation); Abdul Mawah, Siti Sarayati (Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah); Binti Hasan, Noor Haliza (University Malaysia Sabah); Mohd Zain, Siti Nursheena (University of Malaya); Bin Denel, Azroie (Sarawak Forestry Corporation); Pathmanathan, Dharini (University of Malaya)
Brief description
Malaysia is in one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world, Sundaland. The country is divided into three states, each of which has independent control over local research and management of biodiversity. Each region has different resources, strengths and ins2tu2ons. This project will have an important impact on biodiversity conserva2on through the training of wildlife officers working for the governmental organiza2on in charge of biodiversity management in Sarawak, who is tasked with seeng up and then running a wildlife forensics gene2cs lab. Biodiversity and conserva2on of biodiversity are important for the economy in Malaysia, especially Sabah and Sarawak. Biodiversity conserva2on is ofen in conflict with other economic interests, such as logging and palm oil. Members of this network both work to conserve and protect natural areas, and par2cipate in palm oil planta2on research. Reducing conflict between these interests is of high social and economic value, and ways to bridge the gulf, from increasing biodiversity on planta2ons to decreasing the threat of deforesta2on of natural areas is a fundamental issue in Malaysia. This project would support educa2on at mul2ple levels in three universi2es, both at primarily university and graduate levels, through the enhancement of ongoing educa2onal ac2vi2es such as planned workshops, through wider support for new graduate student(s), and through opportuni2es for lecturers to deepen their skills and support network. This network will drive higher quality, interna2onal level science based on the local biodiversity, which will increase the impact of this science on local policy. The impact of high quality science on policy will further be increased through the inclusion of government in the planning and undertaking of the scien2fic projects. This project will also have a strong posi2ve social impact through suppor2ng women in science by increasing their pres2ge, their knowledge and skills, and their support network.