by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 23: Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to implement a comprehensive biodiversity empowerment policy and master plan that integrates with the government’s broader development strategy for the State.
According to a report by TVS, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi highlighted that with this policy and master plan, Sarawak is now at the forefront of introducing an approach that integrates biodiversity aspects into development strategies.
“We are the first state in Malaysia to strengthen this initiative through two main approaches; biodiversity empowerment and a whole-of-government approach,” he said in his speech at the launch of the ‘Vision with Action for Biodiversity: Policy and Plan’, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, last night.
Abdullah explained that biodiversity empowerment, as defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), requires a meaningful integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into development policies and practices.
He explained that the government’s comprehensive approach adopted in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12th RMKe) emphasises collaboration between agencies and ministries in addressing biodiversity issues comprehensively and effectively.
“The policy and master plan launched tonight reflects these principles. However, policies alone are not enough. The success of their implementation depends on close collaboration from various parties, including the development sector, economic actors and all stakeholders,” he added.
He also shared that Sarawak is aiming to coordinate and optimise biodiversity-related policies and initiatives internally, in line with the changing global development landscape which is now more focused on policy and strategy support than physical assistance.
“International aid is now focused on sustainable policies and strategic planning. We need to embrace this new narrative with an open mind and adapt our development approach,” he added. – DayakDaily
