CASE STUDY 11

The Malaysian case study focuses on forest restoration intervention. The Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia Terengganu has initiated a forest restoration programme by planting various types of Dipterocarp seedlings (mainly of Dipterocarpaceae family) to increase the biodiversity. However, we have limited knowledge on the impact of a forest restoration intervention in mitigating or increasing pathogen infection risk. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the impact of a forest restoration intervention on biodiversity and also vector- and rodent-borne diseases. In addition, we will study the role of small mammals, ticks and mosquitoes as reservoirs and vectors of zoonotic diseases. Our end result will hopefully prove that the intervention could mitigate these diseases, and continue to benefit our forest management and public health.