KUCHING: Sarawak stands out an an iconic biodiversity giant in Malaysia, making the nation as among seventeen countries in the world that are the richest in biodiversity, known as megadiverse countries.
Federal Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said this is not a small title, as the world views Malaysia as a highly valuable repository of natural treasures essential for the balance of the global ecosystem.
“When we talk about environmental conservation, Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, stands out as an iconic biodiversity giant in Malaysia.
Under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has demonstrated excellent performance in balancing the needs of economic development with the demands of environmental sustainability.
“One of the key achievements worth highlighting is the strengthening of marine conservation through the ‘Reef Ball’ project along the state’s coastal waters.
“As of 2025, more than 21,000 artificial reef units have been deployed across 746 kilometres of Sarawak’s waters under two phases of the project,” he said in his speech.
He said this during Ceremony for the Presentation of Appointment Letters to Community Rangers and the Flag-Off of Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah, as well as the Launch of the “1000 Visits to Save Wildlife” Programme (Sarawak Level) Saturday morning.
He added that these efforts have proven to be highly effective in conserving our marine ecosystem, where we have seen a drastic reduction in sea turtle mortality cases, alongside an increase in the income of local fishing communities through improved fish catches.
This momentum is further strengthened through the ‘Marine Turtle Conservation’ initiative, which focuses on empowering local communities.
“In addition, Sarawak’s rich ecosystems have received widespread international recognition such as the Kuching Wetlands National Park, which is recognised as a Wetland of International Importance or Ramsar Site.
“Bako Buntal Bay is the first flyway site for migratory birds in Malaysia under the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).
“Gunung Mulu National Park, Bako National Park, and Lambir Hills National Park has been recognised as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP),” he said.
Moreover, Arthur also expressed his admiration for Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) direct involvement as the responsible party leading conservation efforts for the Bornean Orangutan and its habitat within the Ulu Sebuyau, Sedilu, and Gunung Lesong National Park Complex through the Global Wildlife Program (GWP) Malaysia project implemented by NRES.
“This project aims to enhance the conservation status of the Orangutan and its habitat through community participation in sustainable management.
“Furthermore, Sarawak continues to move forward on the global stage through the implementation of the EnCORE Wetlands Project (Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN), which focuses on the conservation of wetlands and peatlands as effective carbon sinks and greenhouse gas storage.
“This strategic involvement places Sarawak at the forefront of advancing the climate change mitigation agenda in the ASEAN region.”
