THE carbon credit initiative through the Forest Carbon Activity gives Sarawak an opportunity to diversify the state’s revenue through the international carbon market.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Saleh said a range of training and capacity-building programmes for rural communities are provided by project developers to support the management of carbon projects and forest replanting.
“This includes training in forest replanting techniques, seedling nursery management, project area monitoring and patrolling, sustainable forest resource management and biomass inventory.
“It also enables communities to enhance their skills, knowledge and practical experience in managing carbon projects, while strengthening their involvement in environmental conservation efforts,” he said.
Len was responding to a question from Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang during the question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Earlier, Gira had asked about the outcome of carbon credit and forest replanting initiatives and how rural communities could participate and benefit economically.
Len highlighted that the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai in 2023 stressed international cooperation under Article 6 to reduce carbon emissions through Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including carbon credit initiatives and forest replanting.
He added that Sarawak has strengthened the implementation of these initiatives through the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance, 2023 and the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022.
“These rules require all carbon projects to comply with recognised international standards, such as Verra and Gold Standard, to ensure integrity, transparency and effectiveness,” he said.
Under these regulations, nine Forest Carbon Study Permits covering 231,983 hectares have been issued, with seven more under review, along with one Forest Carbon Licence covering 25,675 hectares.
The initiative was further reinforced with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Energy on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and potential blue carbon on Nov 6, 2024.
“NCR landowners in gazetted areas, including those in Tamin, may apply for Forest Carbon Study Permits and subsequently receive Forest Carbon Licences if they meet the requirements set under the ordinance and regulations,” he added, noting that the initiative aims to provide greater opportunities and economic benefits to rural communities.
