YOKOHAMA: The Sarawak government has signed two significant projects with the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) to boost forest conservation and enhance community development in the region.
The two new projects include the Management of Sungai Menyang Conservation Area for Orangutan Protection and Uplifting Community Livelihood; and the Critical Upliftment of Local Livelihoods: Urgent Actions for Community-based Conservation and Development in Upper Baram.
“These initiatives are expected to bring significant benefits to local communities in the Sungai Menyang (Lubok Antu) and Upper Baram regions of Sarawak.
“The overarching goal of both projects is to enhance the livelihoods of local communities through the development of community-based tourism, improved infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives,” Sarawak Forest director Datuk Hamden Mohammad said in a statement.
He added the Sungai Menyang project will focus on addressing human-wildlife conflict, particularly with orangutans, while the Upper Baram project will emphasize community-based conservation efforts.
“Both projects aim to empower local communities as stewards of their natural environment, ensuring sustainable forest management and wildlife protection for future generations,” he explained.
He also expressed his gratitude for ITTO’s longstanding partnership with Sarawak, highlighting that since their first mission in 1990, ITTO has supported Sarawak with funds for over 20 projects, contributing a total of USD16 million towards forest management, conservation, forest landscape restoration, and community development efforts.
Additionally, Hamden said the two new projects mark an important step in Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, fostering positive outcomes for both local communities and the forest ecosystems they depend on.
The signing ceremony took place during the 60th International Tropical Timber Council Meeting in Yokohama, Japan, and was attended by key officials from the Malaysian delegates and ITTO high officials.
