By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 5: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is set to mark its 30th anniversary in 2027 with a greener legacy, after Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) completed its commitment to plant 10,000 trees under its EcoGreen Planet initiative.
In a press release, the milestone was achieved through the planting of approximately 3,800 mangrove seedlings at Rajang Mangrove National Park in partnership with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), completing the five-year sustainability commitment established to support the environmental goals of STB’s flagship events.
The latest restoration effort followed earlier tree-planting activities at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in 2024 and Piasau Nature Reserve in 2025.
EcoGreen Planet was introduced as part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between STB and SFC in 2023, aimed at supporting greening and carbon offset initiatives linked to RWMF and Borneo Jazz Festival.
STB chairman Dato Dennis Ngau said the completion of the 10,000-tree commitment marked a significant milestone in RWMF’s sustainability journey ahead of its 30th anniversary.
“As we look towards the 30th anniversary of the Rainforest World Music Festival, this achievement demonstrates that the festival’s legacy is not only measured by the experiences created on stage, but also by the positive impact it leaves behind.
“Completing our 10,000-tree commitment ahead of this landmark celebration reinforces our responsibility to protect the natural environment that has always been central to RWMF’s identity,” he said.
Rajang Mangrove National Park, which was affected by illegal clearing activities between 2020 and 2021, is now undergoing restoration to revive its coastal ecosystem.
The rehabilitation works are expected to enhance carbon absorption, reduce coastal erosion risks, support marine biodiversity and sustain local fisheries that contribute to the livelihoods of nearby riverside communities.
Funding for the 2026 planting effort came partly from RWMF ticket sales and contributions by corporate sponsors, turning festival participation into direct conservation action.
Kampung Kuala Rajang residents also played an important role in the planting exercise and will continue supporting the long-term care and stewardship of the restored site.
Bringing together STB, SFC, local communities, corporate sponsors, government agencies and conservation partners, the initiative demonstrates how collaboration across the tourism ecosystem can drive meaningful environmental restoration.
With the completion of its EcoGreen Planet commitment, RWMF continues to strengthen its position as a responsible tourism event that promotes regenerative tourism principles and supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. — DayakDaily
