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By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Aug 8: One local company has been issued with a two-year license to conduct carbon studies and assess the potential area for carbon activities in Sarawak.
Sarawak Forest Department director Datu Hamden Mohammad said this is the first company to be given such license in the State.
Speaking at a press conference after launching the ‘Introduction of Forest Carbon Activities in Sarawak’ seminar, he said although an application to conduct such studies are open to all, the department is very selective and strict as to who will be given the license to do it.
“If this company fails to complete its studies or come up with a project design document at the end of its term, the license will be revoked,” Hamden said.
He added that the Sarawak government is committed to protecting and conserving its forests, which are an important part of the State’s natural heritage and economy.
Such efforts can be done through forest carbon activities, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving forests or restoring degraded forests.
These activities he said, can generate carbon credits, which are tradable units that represent the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“Based on one of our studies, using the state’s Total Protected Area (TPA) such as all our national parks as sample, it can produce some 200 tonnes of carbon per hectare.
“As for logging areas, those can produce between 64 and 194 tonnes of carbon per hectare,” Hamden said.
Because of carbon credits, Hamden added that several countries in the world are currently eyeing Sarawak.
“Singapore, China and few others have come to us, with the interest and intention to buy or trade our carbon. This shows that Sarawak has the potential to be a major player in the international carbon market due to its wide coverage of forests,” he added.
The Sarawak government has been working to develop a framework for forest carbon activities, and passed the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022 which came into force on Jan 1, 2023.
These rules provides a clear regulatory framework for forest carbon projects in the State, so they can help attract investment.
Sarawak is known as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and its forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
However, like many other parts of the world, he acknowledged that Sarawak is also grappling with the issue of climate change, which threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of its ecosystems and the well-being of its people.
“The Sarawak government remains committed to develop a sustainable forest sector that benefits both the environment and the people of Sarawak.
“Our commitment extends beyond just regulations. It encompasses the empowerment of local communities to participate actively in forest carbon activities. We recognise that the well-being of our people and the preservation of our natural heritage are inseparable, and we have the obligation to serve the land of Sarawak,” Hamden said. — DayakDaily
