By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 4: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and forest conservation by launching two new initiatives in collaboration with the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
These projects are the Management of Sungai Menyang Conservation Area for Orangutan Protection and Uplifting Community Livelihoods, and Critical Upliftment of Local Livelihoods: Urgent Actions for Community-Based Conservation and Development in Upper Baram, Sarawak.
These initiatives aim to protect local wildlife and improve the livelihoods of communities living near forest ecosystems.
According to a report by Ukas, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh emphasised that the projects will also drive socio-economic development through agroforestry activities, such as planting gaharu (agarwood) and adopting smart farming techniques.
“The Sungai Menyang project will focus primarily on addressing human-wildlife conflicts, with a particular emphasis on orangutan protection, while the Upper Baram initiative will focus on community-driven conservation efforts.
“These projects are expected to provide direct benefits to local communities, boosting their income and enhancing their quality of life,” he said.
The official signing ceremony took place during the 60th International Tropical Timber Council Meeting in Yokohama, Japan, with the Sarawak government represented by Forest Sarawak director Datu Hamden Mohammad and the ITTO by its executive director Sheam Satkuru.
The ceremony was attended by key Malaysian officials and senior ITTO representatives, including Ministry of Plantation and Commodities deputy secretary-general (Strategic Planning and Management) Dato’ Abdul Hadi Omar.
Since ITTO’s first mission in 1990, the organisation has provided significant financial support to Sarawak, funding over 20 projects and contributing USD 16 million towards forest management, conservation, forest landscape restoration, and community development. — DayakDaily
