LANGKAWI, Kedah: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) marked a historic milestone by winning four major awards at the Green and Global Awards (GAGA) 2025 held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre here recently.
The department received four honours at GAGA 2025, namely ‘Geopark of the Year’ for the Sarawak Delta Aspiring Global Geopark, ‘Green Organisation of the Year’ for its impactful Greening Sarawak Campaign, the ‘Biodiversity Conservation Award’ for its orchid conservation programme, and the ‘Excellence in Technology Innovation Award’ for pioneering the world’s first drone-based thermal and RGB imaging to monitor the critically endangered Tri-coloured Langur in the Jemoreng Protected Peat Swamp Forests.
FDS Director, Datuk Hamden Mohammad, said the recognition reflects the discipline, innovation and dedication demonstrated by officers across all divisions, supported by strong state policies that prioritise sustainability.
He said the achievement stands as a proud moment for the department and validates its shift towards conservation-led and science-based forest management.
“These awards recognise the commitment of our officers, the vision of the Sarawak Government, and the partnerships we have built with communities, researchers and international institutions.
“It validates our focus on conservation, science-driven decision-making and green economic transformation,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
The ‘Geopark of the Year’ title enhances the global standing of the Sarawak Delta Aspiring Global Geopark and supports the state’s pursuit of full UNESCO Global Geopark status, paving the way for stronger geotourism development, research collaboration, and community based economic opportunities.
The success of the Greening Sarawak Campaign reflects growing climate resilience through large scale tree-planting, while its award-winning orchid conservation initiative reinforces the state’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and supports global efforts to protect threatened plant species.
The award for technology innovation marks a major leap in wildlife monitoring, showcasing how drone-based thermal and visual imaging can be deployed in challenging peat swamp ecosystems to track the elusive Tri-coloured Langur, one of Borneo’s rarest primates.
According to FDS, these achievements collectively highlight Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable forest management, community empowerment, environmental protection, digital enforcement, and science-based conservation strategies.
Hamden further said the recognition will further motivate the department to strengthen restoration programmes, expand the adoption of emerging technologies, and build a forestry sector that contributes significantly to the state’s green economy.
