THE Sarawak government has terminated a forest conservation project involving Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) under the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) after the organisation failed to meet the conditions set by the state.
Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said BMF’s emphasis on supporting only the Penan community went against the state’s requirement for inclusive community involvement.
He noted that other indigenous groups such as the Kenyah, Kelabit, and Saban also have a stake in the area.
“Their approach would have undermined the harmony among the local communities in Upper Baram.
“BMF’s insistence on turning the area into a “purely conservation area” for the Penan was unnecessary, as a Totally Protected Area (TPA) already exists nearby,” he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) in response to a question from Datuk Dennis Ngau (GPS-Telang Usan) today.
The affected initiative, Management of Upper Baram for Conservation and Sustainable Development with Involvement of Local Communities, was the only project out of four ITTO-linked efforts that involved BMF.
It formed part of the broader Upper Baram Forest Area Project (UBFA).
Len said the decision to end the project was reached during a steering committee meeting on Oct 10, 2024, and was also agreed to by ITTO.
“This is the first time since 1992 that the Forest Department has terminated an ITTO project,” Len noted.
Despite the termination, he assured that the livelihoods of the communities in Ulu Baram, including the Penan, would not be affected.
Various development projects and socio-economic programmes are ongoing and will continue under the Forest Department, ministries, and other government agencies.
“Sarawak had signed four ITTO project agreements — two on Mar 20, 2023, and another two on Sept 9, 2024. Three of them are located in Ulu Baram, while the remaining one is in Sungai Menyang, Lubok Antu,” he added.
