Tropical Sciences Conference In S'wak To Focus On Latest Advancements, Challenges In The Tropics

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The 2nd International Conference on Tropical Sciences (TropSc 2024), hosted by the Tropical Science Foundation (TSF), will focus on critical issues in the tropics, such as climate change, biodiversity decline, deforestation and habitat loss.

TSF and Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in a joint statement today said the event, which will be held from Oct 16 to 17 Oct, 2024 at The Waterfront Hotel, Sarawak will be officiated by the Sarawak Premier  Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The conference, jointly organised by the ASM, as well as in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and supported by the Sarawak government, will conclude with establishing the Alliance of the Tropics and the Kuching Declaration for the Tropics.

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Among issues that will be discussed in four areas are tropical agriculture, tropical architecture and engineering, tropical medicine as well as tropical natural resources, with the involvement of local and international panellists.

In addition, there will also be three special themes covering climate change in the tropics, open science in tropical biodiversity, and protection of indigenous and local knowledge in the tropics.

TSF chairman Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali said TropSc2024 is a crucial platform for addressing the pressing environmental and social issues that the tropical regions face.

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“It brings together experts from various fields to collaborate and find sustainable solutions. We aim to foster a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the challenges and leverage the tropics' immense natural and cultural wealth. Doing so can ensure a sustainable future for future generations,” he said in the statement.

According to the statement, the tropics, which houses 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity, 45 per cent of its forests, and 54 per cent of its renewable water resources, will by 2050 host over half of the global population, with two-thirds being children and 82 per cent of the world’s living languages spoken in the region.

Meanwhile, ASM president Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen Tengku Ibrahim said the tropical region is a vital source of global biodiversity and climate stability.

“Rich in biodiversity and natural resources, and augmented with a young and growing population, it is well-positioned to make a positive contribution to the scientific, cultural, and civilisational challenges facing the global community.

“Indigenous, traditional, and local knowledge must be given due recognition to complement scientific knowledge. The conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange among scientists, community leaders, policymakers, and industry players towards formulating holistic and integrated solutions for sustainable development,” he also said.

Confirmed speakers for the conference include Prof Ziauddin Sardar from the Centre for Postnormal Policy and Futures Studies; Prof Jeffrey Sachs (Center for Sustainable Development, Columbia University); and Dr Serge Morand (French National Centre for Scientific Research, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Thailand).

Additional notable speakers include Ar Serina Hijjas from HIJJAS Architects and Planners); Prof Francis Kéré (Kéré Architecture); Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen; and Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail (ASM).

Registration is open to local and international participants. For more information, visit https://www.akademisains.gov.my/events/tropsc2024/.

-- BERNAMA