SARAWAK EXPANDS CARBON CREDIT EFFORTS, OFFERS RURAL COMMUNITIES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

KUCHING, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is strengthening its green economic agenda following the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, with new regulations and expanded carbon credit projects providing rural communities with sustainable economic opportunities.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salih said the state’s carbon initiatives had been reinforced through the enactment of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023 and the  Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022, which require all projects to comply with international carbon standards such as Verra and Gold Standard, ensuring integrity, transparency and effectiveness in implementation.

“COP28 also emphasises international cooperation under Article 6 to reduce carbon emissions through nature-based solutions (NbS), such as forest replanting and carbon credit initiatives, an approach that aligns with Sarawak’s direction.

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“In line with the enforcement of the ordinance and rules, nine forest carbon study permits covering 231,983 hectares have been issued, while seven new applications are under consideration. Additionally, one forest carbon licence covering 25,675 hectares has been approved,” he said.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) regarding the outcomes of the post-COP28 carbon credit initiatives and their benefits to rural communities at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Len Talif said the initiative also opens up opportunities for rural communities, including registered Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners, to apply for forest carbon study permits and forest carbon licences, provided they meet the requirements of the relevant ordinance and regulations.

He added that project developers would offer various training and capacity-building programmes to support communities in managing carbon projects and forest replanting efforts.

“These include training in forest replanting techniques, nursery management, project area monitoring and patrolling, sustainable forest resource management, and biomass inventory training.

“The programmes also enable communities to enhance their skills, knowledge, and practical experience in carbon project management, thereby strengthening their involvement in environmental conservation efforts,” he said.

-- BERNAMA