WITH nominations for Bako National Park and Bukit Lambir National Park to be recognised as Asean Heritage Parks (AHP) currently in progress, the Sarawak government is stepping up its support for communities living near protected forest areas through targeted eco-tourism and development programmes.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan revealed that an evaluation by the Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has already been conducted, and the outcome is expected to be announced in September 2025.
“The nomination follows the successful inscription of Niah National Park as a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year, and we hope to see similar recognition for Bako and Bukit Lambir,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Awang Tengah, who also serves as Sarawak’s Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted that the state government recognises the critical role of local communities living near Permanent Forest Estates (PFE) and Totally Protected Areas (TPA).
To strengthen community engagement in conservation efforts, Awang Tengah said the state has rolled out various programmes tailored to local needs and livelihoods.
These include the Human Capital Development Programme for Forest Rangers and Park Guides, the Annual Community Forestry Development Carnival, Economic Tree Planting Programmes, and diverse eco-tourism initiatives.
“These initiatives not only empower communities living around PFE and TPA zones, but also provide them with sustainable income opportunities while fostering greater awareness of forest conservation,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s conservation strategy is people-centred and rooted in long-term environmental stewardship, with the dual aim of protecting biodiversity and enhancing rural livelihoods.
