A short training workshop for Forest Managers and Forest Field Officers on forest biodiversity with focus on forest genetic resources conservation and management will be held on 7-11 July 2008 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This workshop is supported by an International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Project which is implemented by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions (APAFRI), Bioversity International (Bioversity), University Putra Malaysia (UPM) and the Asia Pacific Forest Genetic Resources Programme (AFPORGEN).

The training workshop aims to provide a common background specifically to Forest Managers and Forest Field Officers currently working on conservation and management of forests particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and will address the urgent needs and challenges of biodiversity particularly on forest genetic resources conservation and management in forest production systems.

Among the topics covered are: (i) Forest biodiversity; (ii) Issues on tropical forest management; (iii) Managing in situ and ex situ conservation systems; (iv) Tools for monitoring conservation of FGR; and (v) Economic values and environmental services of FGR. Lectures will be delivered by eminent researchers and practitioners from the region. Demonstration on applications of molecular markers for genetic diversity determination is also included. The medium of instruction is in English.

Application Criteria
• Forest Managers and Field Officers from one of the countries listed below;
• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related fields;
• Technical background and field experience in the relevant area;
• Documented responsibility in forest conservation and management in the country concerned;
• Good knowledge of English;
• Maximum age of 40 years.

The costs of travel, accommodation, meals and training materials will be covered for two participants from each of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand. A limited number of other participants will be partially supported covering the local costs. Others who are interested are welcome, but have to find their own support to attend.

This training workshop is open to participants from:
Bangladesh
Cambodia
China
India
Indonesia
Lao PDR
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Viet Nam
The Pacific Island countries

Application
Enquiries and applications should be sent by e-mail to: sim@apafri.org, copy to syuqiyah@apafri.org. The subject of the message must be “Training on FGR 2008”. Applicants should send in an application form latest by 31 May 2008.

For any other enquiries please contact:
APAFRI
Tel: +60-3-62773249; Fax: +60-3-6772 2516
Email: secretariat@apafri.org or simhc@frim.gov.my