As forests fall and rivers shrink, WWF-Malaysia is proving that Sarawak’s economy doesn’t have to come at nature’s expense. From eco-friendly farms to responsible forestry, a new path is emerging — but is it enough to secure the state’s future?
WWF-Malaysia’s bold plan for a greener Sarawak
DEEP in Borneo’s heart, a quiet battle is unfolding—not of weapons, but of choices. Sarawak’s rich rainforests and wildlife face growing pressure from logging, agriculture, and development. But must progress come at nature’s expense?
WWF-Malaysia is proving otherwise. From chemical-free pepper farms to eco-friendly rice fields and conservation-driven tourism, they are forging a path where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
The question remains: Can Sarawak strike this balance before it’s too late? The answer lies not in compromise but in transformation.
Sustainable growth through conservation
Conservation and economic development are often seen as opposing forces. However, WWF-Malaysia (Sarawak) is proving that, with the right approach, they can go hand in hand.
From sustainable pepper farming and community-led ecotourism to forest management and financial sustainability, WWF’s initiatives in Sarawak offer a blueprint for responsible growth.
A prime example is the pepper industry, which plays a crucial role in Sarawak’s economy — accounting for 99 per cent of Malaysia’s total production — but also has significant environmental consequences.
Unsustainable practices, particularly chemical pesticide use, degrade soil health and pollute rivers, endangering aquatic species like the semah and empurau, two indigenous fish highly valued in local culture.
To address this, WWF-Malaysia supports sustainable pepper farming by encouraging pesticide-free methods that improve yields and preserve the environment.
“By adopting organic-based farming and reducing chemical inputs, farmers can protect their land and water sources while producing higher-quality pepper that fetches premium prices,” said Cynthia Chin, WWF-Malaysia head of Sarawak Conservation Programme, in an exclusive interview with Sarawak Tribune at their office.
A prime example of this approach is WWF-Malaysia’s collaboration with the Malaysian Pepper Board in Ulu Katibas, Song, where farmers from two longhouses are transitioning to chemical-free cultivation.
Through training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and efficient land use, these farmers are improving productivity without harming the environment.
Certification plays a crucial role in making sustainable farming viable as well.
“We empower communities to obtain Malaysia Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP) certification, which guarantees that their produce is safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible.
“As of December 2024, six farmers from Ulu Katibas have successfully received MyGAP certification, while five more are undergoing assessment. This certification opens doors to premium markets, ensuring that sustainability translates into better incomes,” Chin added.
Beyond agriculture, sustainable practices are also transforming Sarawak’s tourism sector.
With its rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures, the state is a prime destination for ecotourism. However, ensuring tourism benefits local communities, rather than external investors, requires strategic planning.
One effective approach is community-based ecotourism, where indigenous groups take the lead in conservation efforts while managing tourism activities themselves.
“When communities are directly involved in ecotourism, they have a vested interest in protecting their natural surroundings,” she said.
This model is already making an impact in places like Batang Ai, where longhouses offer visitors a blend of cultural and nature-based experiences while generating sustainable income for locals.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a vital role in strengthening ecotourism by bringing together governments, conservation groups, and businesses to fund and develop responsible tourism initiatives.
A standout example is the Ulu Ai Conservancy, backed by Borneo Adventure, which highlights how collaboration can both protect natural landscapes and generate economic opportunities.
Balancing economy and ecology
For decades, the timber industry has been a cornerstone of Sarawak’s economy.
However, uncontrolled logging has taken a heavy toll on forests and wildlife. WWF-Malaysia is addressing this challenge by advocating for sustainable forestry practices, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of conservation.
A key approach involves identifying High Conservation Value (HCV) areas — forests that are essential for biodiversity — helping to safeguard these vital ecosystems while maintaining a sustainable timber industry.
“By mapping out these key habitats, we can balance logging activities with conservation efforts.
“We collaborate with the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS), the Sarawak Timber Association (STA), and the Forest Management Units (FMUs) to implement sustainable forest management practices under certification schemes like the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS),” said Lukmann Haqeem Alen, WWF-Malaysia (Sarawak) senior field biologist.
Beyond timber, WWF-Malaysia also works with the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) to apply the same HCV principles in oil palm plantations, promoting reduced-impact practices and biodiversity conservation.
To incentivise businesses, WWF provides technical support and certification guidance, ensuring compliance with global standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Sustainability is no longer just an environmental concern — it’s a market requirement.
“Companies that invest in responsible forestry gain a competitive edge while securing long-term economic value,” Chin pointed out.
While transitioning to sustainable livelihoods offers long-term benefits, the initial shift is not always easy for rural communities.
“High costs, lack of technical knowledge, and limited access to funding are major obstacles,” said Chin.
To tackle these challenges, WWF-Malaysia provides training in sustainable farming techniques, such as efficient drying and storage methods for pepper.
They also facilitate micro-financing opportunities to help farmers invest in essential infrastructure, connect local producers with markets that prioritise sustainably sourced products, and support business development to create long-term, profitable models for communities.
A practical example is WWF’s work in Ulu Katibas, where farmers are not only trained in sustainable techniques but also linked to external markets, ensuring their pesticide-free pepper reaches premium buyers.
Economic prosperity, environmental protection can go hand in hand
One of WWF’s most successful projects in Sarawak is the community-led conservation initiative in Ba’kelalan, where local farmers are adopting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI).
This chemical-free method enhances crop yield, preserves soil health, and efficiently uses water – all the while maintaining the surrounding ecosystem.
Sustained funding is crucial for the longevity of such projects. WWF-Malaysia secures funding in three-year cycles, with many initiatives continuing across multiple terms.
Corporate donors like CIMB Islamic and international agencies such as the German federal government have supported conservation in Ba’kelalan and Kuba’an-Puak, ensuring continuity.
A recent milestone was the memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed between WWF-Malaysia and Antares Ventures Sdn Bhd to expand sustainable rice farming.
“One ringgit from every pack of Antares heirloom rice will be contributed to conservation efforts, ensuring financial sustainability for both farmers and nature.
“From just 12 SRI farmers in 2017, the number has grown to over 90, demonstrating how financial sustainability can drive conservation success,” Chin noted.
By securing long-term commitments from corporate donors and international conservation funds, WWF-Malaysia has made significant strides in environmental conservation and community empowerment.
“This support has enabled the organisation to provide training and resources for sustainable land management, equipping local farmers and landowners with the knowledge and tools to protect their environment while maintaining their livelihoods.
“Additionally, continuous biodiversity monitoring efforts have been strengthened to safeguard key species and habitats, ensuring long-term ecological balance.
“WWF-Malaysia has also played a crucial role in building local capacity, empowering communities to take the lead in conservation initiatives independently.
“Furthermore, the organisation has facilitated vital market connections for SRI farmers, linking them with a company to sell their rice beyond Sarawak, opening new economic opportunities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” explained Chin.
To ensure long-term sustainability, WWF-Malaysia is pioneering self-sustaining conservation financing models.
One approach is integrating conservation into business models, such as the partnership with Antares Ventures, where a portion of rice sales directly supports WWF’s work.
Sarawak’s Kenyalang rice, now available in Everrise supermarkets, is another example of how sustainable agriculture can generate funding for conservation.
“By embedding conservation into commercial ventures, we create a cycle where businesses, communities and the environment all benefit,” explained Chin.
A key challenge in conservation finance is ensuring that funding reaches the right people.
WWF-Malaysia adheres to strict guidelines under WWF’s Statements of Principles (SOPs) and the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), which include:
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Communities must approve any conservation project that affect them.
Community-led decision-making: Local people are the primary stakeholders, not corporations.
Transparent fund allocation: Conservation finance is directed towards on-the-ground initiatives, not large commercial interests.
Monitoring and evaluation: Regular assessments ensure that funding leads to tangible social and environmental benefits.
“These safeguards prevent exploitation and ensure that conservation efforts truly support local communities,” said Chin.
When asked what WWF-Malaysia would prioritise if given a significant conservation investment, Chin is clear: habitat restoration in Priority Conservation Areas.
“These areas are among the richest in biodiversity and are crucial for sustaining wildlife and ecosystems.
“With the right investment, we can restore forests, protect endangered species, and create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities,” she stressed.
They also uphold strict international funding principles, rejecting contributions linked to weapons, military activities, child labour and environmentally harmful practices.
“Our conservation work must align with ethical and sustainable values,” said Chin.
A future worth fighting for
WWF-Malaysia’s work in Sarawak challenges the idea that conservation hinders economic growth.
By promoting sustainable pepper farming, ecotourism, forestry, and self-sustaining conservation financing, they demonstrate that economic prosperity and environmental protection can — and must — go hand in hand.
As Chin aptly puts it, “A thriving environment means thriving communities. Our goal is to create a future where both can coexist and flourish.”
The future of Sarawak is about more than just saving forests and wildlife — it’s about redefining progress. The choices made today will shape whether future generations inherit a thriving land or one depleted for short-term gains.
WWF-Malaysia (Sarawak) has shown that conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand, from sustainable pepper farming to eco-tourism and responsible forestry. But real change demands bold leadership, long-term investment, and collective commitment.
Sarawak stands at a crossroads. The challenge is not whether to develop but how to do so without sacrificing its irreplaceable natural wealth. If today’s lessons are embraced, the state can become a global model of sustainable growth.
The fight is not over, but the path is clear: protecting nature is not a burden — it’s the foundation of a resilient and prosperous future.
