KUCHING: The state government is taking steps to ensure that Sarawak’s biodiversity is properly managed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the state’s natural resources and forest areas are Malaysia’s main carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.
“Nature, environment, and biodiversity are matters very close to my heart. As the Premier of Sarawak, you have my word that Sarawak is committed towards preservation of six million hectares of land as permanent forests and one million hectares as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs).
“To reflect this pledge that the state is serious in its commitment to promote environmental sustainability, we formed the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability after the last state election.
“The ministry is set up to coordinate and provide directions to the development of green, renewable energy. It is a pledge from us to tackle world issues such as climate change and other biodiversity-related causes,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the first Malaysian Conservation Conference (MCC) here on Tuesday (March 29).
Abang Johari noted that the conference was held at a time when global attention was focusing on biodiversity conservation.
Referring to the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, he noted it had confirmed that various species and ecosystems around the world were in rapid decline with 25 percent of flora and fauna facing extinction.
“I think for Sarawak and Sabah, we still have a lot of forested areas as compared to other parts of the world. However, the outcome of the assessment report is a wake-up call for each and every one of us to ensure that we must take care of our environment for current and future generations.
“Therefore, in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, environmental sustainability is included as one of the three main pillars. This corresponds with the state’s vision, strategies, initiatives, projects and policies that will steer Sarawak towards the 2030 goals in ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all by having policies in sustainable forest management as well as adoption of new technologies and innovation to support Malaysia’s commitment in reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions intensity by 45 percent in 2030,” he explained.
The Premier congratulated Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and its working partners Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN), Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department for organising the conference.
“To me, the synergy and collaborative efforts are commendable and should be carried forward for the next conference,” he added.
