KUCHING: Sarawak has reached a new milestone in its climate and sustainability efforts with the issuance of its first carbon licence by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS).
The initiative reflects Sarawak’s progressive approach to addressing climate change through innovative policies and actionable frameworks.
“The state’s leadership in enacting legislation for carbon trading underscores its role as a national frontrunner in integrating sustainability into economic development.
“These efforts will contribute to environmental conservation while providing economic benefits, aligning with Sarawak’s strategic objectives of leveraging carbon trading as a viable economic sector,” FDS said in a press statement today.
At an official ceremony held at the FDS headquarters, Bangunan Baitul Makmur II, Forests Sarawak director Datuk Hamden Mohammad presented the licence to SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd representative Franscois Blignaut.
“SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Samling Group, has established itself as a leader in forest carbon initiatives in Sarawak.
“Their projects highlight the potential of leveraging natural resources responsibly, ensuring long-term benefits for the environment and local communities alike.
“By adhering to international standards, including non-profit organisation Verra, SaraCarbon intends to produce high-quality carbon credits that meet global market requirements,” it said.
For the record, SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd is the first company in the state to be granted a forest carbon study permit, awarded during the Asia Carbon Conference 2023.
“The company’s inaugural project, the Marudi Forest Conservation and Restoration Project in Miri, represents a nature-based solution aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable forest management,” it said.
