KUCHING: Sarawak’s push for nature-based climate action took centre stage at the ‘Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum’ (SAREF 4.0) today with two key milestones: the handing over of the Dataran Seping Carbon Study Permit (CSP), and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The CSP was presented by Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) Director, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, to Sarawak Energy’s Board Sustainability Chairman and board member, Datuk Seri JC Fong, while the MoU was exchanged between IUCN’s Global Director of Water and Wetlands, James Dalton, and Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice-President for Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), Marconi Madai.
Both ceremonies were witnessed by Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
Sarawak Energy’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sharbini Suhaili, said the two initiatives marked an important step forward in the company’s sustainability journey.
“The Carbon Study Permit enables us to advance our Nature-based Solutions projects, reducing transition risks, safeguarding our hydropower catchments, conserving biodiversity and delivering long-term value to local communities.
“At the same time, the Memorandum of Understanding with IUCN brings global conservation expertise to Sarawak.
“Together, these initiatives strengthen our net zero ambitions and illustrate how strong collaboration between government, industry and international partners can generate lasting benefits for both people and the planet,” he said.
Through the CSP, Sarawak Energy will be able to commence feasibility studies for its Nature-based Solutions projects within identified hydropower catchment areas.
The projects are expected to generate more than 250,000 carbon credit units, which will be used to offset emissions from hard-to-abate generation sectors, in line with its 1.5°C Business Ambition and Net Zero Action Plan.
Meanwhile, the five-year MoU with IUCN will provide Sarawak Energy with technical advisory and global best practices in biodiversity management.
It will also support the company in applying IUCN tools and frameworks such as the Red List of Species, Green List of Protected Areas, and the Global Standard for Nature-Based Solutions.
The collaboration will further mainstream and expand Nature-based Solutions initiatives in Malaysia, restore ecosystems, enhance community resilience, and strengthen Sarawak Energy’s biodiversity performance.
Both the CSP handover and MoU exchange highlighted SAREF 4.0’s role as a platform for collaboration and innovation in the energy transition, drawing participation from regional and international stakeholders.
