KUCHING: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) earned regional acclaim after winning the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) 2026 award in the Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiative category.
The award was presented during the 2nd ASEAN Green Initiative Recognition Event in Quezon City, Philippines on Sept 9.
FDS Restoration and Industrial Forest Division head Zarina Shebli received the award on behalf of the Director of Forests.
Organised by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), the AGI program honours impactful tree-planting efforts across the region that enhance tree cover, restore ecosystems and promote biodiversity using native tree species.
The accolade highlights Sarawak’s ongoing dedication to forest landscape restoration, primarily through the Greening Sarawak Campaign.
Between 2021 and 2025, the campaign successfully planted 290,846 threatened indigenous trees listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, specifically targeting Endangered and Vulnerable species.
Following the ceremony, Zarina shared Sarawak’s implementation strategies during the Ecosystem Restoration Session at the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 alongside fellow awardees.
FDS stated the regional milestone strengthens its drive toward sustainable forest management and expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to the campaign’s success.
