JAKARTA: Sarawak-based startup EB Tech is making strides in the global sustainability sector through its subsidiary, Evolving Sustainability Group (ES Group).
The company has officially partnered with the non-profit Yayasan Konservasi Pesisir Indonesia (YAKOPI) to advance nature-based carbon credit initiatives.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Feb 15, marks a significant step toward large-scale mangrove restoration, afforestation, agroforestry, and wetland conservation efforts in Sulawesi and Pulau Nias.
“The collaboration is set to create a structured framework for generating, certifying, and commercialising carbon credits through various nature-based solutions,” ES Group said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 25).
These efforts include the restoration of mangroves to enhance carbon storage and protect coastal ecosystems from erosion, afforestation and reforestation projects to rehabilitate degraded land, and agroforestry initiatives that integrate tree planting with sustainable agricultural practices.
“Additionally, the partnership will focus on preserving seagrass meadows, implementing renewable energy solutions, and capturing methane emissions from waste and agricultural sources. Wetland conservation will also play a key role, recognizing these ecosystems as critical carbon storage sites,” it said.
“By leveraging our technical expertise in carbon project development and YAKOPI’s community-driven conservation strategies, we aim to create sustainable carbon offset opportunities while empowering local communities,” it added.
In an effort to ensure scientific credibility, ES Group and YAKOPI have joined forces with Universiti Malaya (UM).
The university will contribute research expertise in carbon accounting, feasibility studies, and project monitoring to align the initiatives with global carbon credit standards.
A critical element of the partnership is ensuring that conservation efforts translate into economic opportunities for local communities.
YAKOPI, known for its community-based restoration programmes, will implement initiatives that provide alternative income sources for retired fishermen through carbon credit revenues.
The partnership will also promote sustainable economic activities such as palm sugar production, waste upcycling, and mangrove batik painting, while creating employment and training programmes to involve local communities in conservation efforts.
“Carbon credit projects should not only serve as a global climate solution but also uplift the communities that protect these ecosystems.” said Director of YAKOPI, Eling Tuhono.
With Indonesia emerging as a key player in carbon credit trading, ES Group and YAKOPI aim to extend their impact beyond Sulawesi and Pulau Nias.
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward in scaling sustainable carbon projects across Southeast Asia. With EB Tech’s expertise, YAKOPI’s community engagement, and UM’s academic backing, we are building a framework for long-term environmental and social impact.” said CEO & Director of ES Group, Moses L. Vinsien, highlighting the significance of this collaboration.
