CONSERVE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, SAYS DEPUTY MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have a huge national
responsibility to conserve the country's biological resources, Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Joseph Kurup said.

It was therefore important that these resources be utilised in a sustainable
manner to generate wealth and other benefits for the country and future
generations, he added.

"We believe much of our biological diversity has yet to be scientifically
investigated and I believe there is room for improvement in enhancing our
collective efforts and cooperation in research and development," he said.

He was speaking when opening the International Union of Forestry Research
Organisations (IUFRO 2010) conference here Monday.

The conference showcases advances in genomics and genetics research for
forest species attended by 150 participants and speakers from 22 countries.

IUFRO is the global network for forest science cooperation which has been
actively organising events and educating the public on the importance of
protecting and conserving forest.