TANJUNG MANIS: As part of Sarawak’s commitment to environmental sustainability and green economic growth, a Blue Carbon Project Dialogue Programme was held for local communities at Kampung Paloh on Monday and Kampung Serdeng yesterday (April 29).
Organised by the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC), in collaboration with Worldview Climate Solutions Sdn Bhd (WCS), the programme aimed to introduce and encourage community involvement in the restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems within the 10,300-hectare project area.
According to a statement issued by STIDC yesterday, the briefings were delivered by STIDC officer, Nizam Abdullah, WCS representative, Briggette Phillip, and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) officer, Winnie Akin.
“They provided a detailed explanation of the planned Blue Carbon Project, a coordinated effort to conserve and preserve mangrove forests and wetlands as a strategy to combat climate change and enhance the resilience of coastal communities in Sarawak,” it said.
The dialogue session highlighted the importance of blue carbon, including its role in absorbing carbon dioxide, preserving biodiversity, protecting coastlines from erosion, and improving the quality of local ecosystems.
“Presenters also outlined the benefits for communities, such as new job opportunities, ecotourism development, capacity-building programmes, and improved infrastructure in the project area.
“The community was given space to ask questions and provide constructive feedback to improve the project’s implementation,” it added.
STIDC’s Assistant General Manager of Sustainable Resource Management, Hamzah Morshidi, emphasised that local community involvement and cooperation are the cornerstones of the project’s success.
Meanwhile, Project Manager, Endela Tipot, expressed hope that the community would continue to support STIDC in the successful implementation of the programme, and extended her gratitude for their involvement.
At the end of the programme, STIDC, WCS and the participating government agencies expressed their appreciation to all parties, especially the communities of Paloh and Serdeng, for playing a key role in the success of the Blue Carbon Project.
With continued support from all levels of society, the project is expected to deliver long-term benefits to current and future generations, while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources and the preservation of the local community’s cultural heritage.
The dialogue was attended by local community leaders, including Penghulu Kampung Paloh, Jaafar Sedik, Ketua Kaum of Kampung Paloh and Kampung Kedang, Tuai Rumah of Berangan and Kedang, Ketua Kaum Keprawi Bakar from Kampung Sedo, Ketua Kaum Ben Kuleng, and Tuai Rumah Isa from Telok Gelam.
