KUCHING, March 10: Sarawak must transform how businesses are conducted with emphasis on environmental and social sustainability so as to ensure not only the prosperity and well being of people are taken care of, but also the natural world.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia associate director for Sarawak and Conservation Science Dr Jason Hon made this call today in conjunction with the environmental celebrations in March.
Hon reminded that the forests and rivers have slowly been depleted of resources, and as such serious action through cooperation from all stakeholders, especially the business sectors, alongside the government are vital to keep nature healthy.
“Sarawak must maintain its existing forest cover, which is currently above the national target of 50 per cent and continue not only to promote, but also implement stringent and sustainable management of our forests and protected areas.
“Forests have been providing us with clean air, water, food and medicines. They capture carbon to fight climate change, regulate floods and improve people’s well-being.
“Our rivers have been providing us with abundant water all year round. Rivers also provide food resources and help generate energy for human’s needs,” he said in a media release.
Hon emphasised that water catchments must be holistically managed to ensure clean water provision for all.
He thus suggested one approach through payments for ecosystem services that could provide benefit back to the areas to be better managed and conserved.
“We must forge partnerships to climate smart our businesses to ensure not only the prosperity and well-being of people are taken care of, but also our natural world.
Hon said that the organisation works closely with various government ministries, departments, agencies, universities, private sectors, fellow NGOs and civil societies, as well as indigenous communities, towards achieving Sarawak’s conservation goals and sustainable development agenda, including the protection and conservation of wildlife.
Meanwhile, March this year is a significant month, as the world comes together to celebrate important days dedicated to the natural world with World Wildlife Day celebrated on March 3, followed by International Day of Forest (March 21), World Water Day (March 22) and Earth Hour (March 25).
In addition, WWF-Malaysia will be playing host to the organisation’s Asia Pacific CEO and Board Conference in Kuching from March 14 to 17 where more than 40 conservation leaders comprising WWF Chairs, Board Members and CEOs of Asia Pacific will gather in this four-day event to deliberate on the conservation strategies for the region.
“We envisage that this event will also build new partnerships and enhance existing ones with our conservation like-minded stakeholders.
“The conference will project Malaysia and Sarawak in particular, as the destination that not only appreciates cultural harmonies and embraces societal inclusivity, but also has strong commitments towards biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability,” Hon said. — DayakDaily
