SIBU: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) is organising a stakeholder consultation programme as part of its efforts to push forward its Blue Carbon initiative in Tanjung Manis, specifically in Paloh and Serdeng.
According to STIDC Assistant General Manager Hamzah Morshidi, the programme, held in collaboration with Worldview Climate Solutions (WCS) today, involved 24 government agencies, researchers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Today, we have invited 24 agencies from across the country to discuss the roles and support needed for this project.
“After raya, we will engage with the communities in Paloh and Serdeng to ensure they understand and benefit from this initiative,” he said when met by reporters at the programme at a renowned hotel here today.
Hamzah emphasised the importance of engaging government agencies before approaching local communities on the Blue Carbon initiative.
It covers approximately 10,000 hectares of coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
He added that the initiative aims to restore degraded mangrove forests while enhancing biodiversity and improving local livelihoods.
“The residents in the area primarily depend on agriculture and fishing.
“However, past logging activities and encroachment have impacted the mangrove ecosystem.
“The Blue Carbon project aims to rehabilitate these ecosystems, allowing wildlife such as dolphins and turtles to return, while also creating opportunities for ecotourism and sustainable fisheries.
“We want to restore the area not only for conservation but also to provide long-term benefits to the local communities.
“The development of fishery-related tourism, for instance, could generate new income sources,” he added.
The project is part of STIDC’s T-Mega project, and is currently in the consultation and planning stage.
The project design, he envisaged, is expected to be submitted to the Forestry Department before April, paving the way for the issuance of a carbon licence within two years.
“Once the carbon licence is issued, we can begin replanting and ecosystem improvement.
“After that, within two to three years, we can start marketing the carbon credits, with expected results by 2028 or 2029,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to a press release issued at the programme, the meeting served as a platform for open communication between STIDC, WCS (as the consultants), and other stakeholders, allowing discussions on the project’s objectives, timelines and expected outcomes.
“What sets this project apart is its collaborative approach, which allows and encourages participants to share ideas, ask questions, and offer suggestions to improve the initiative,” it said.
STIDC had signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Worldview Climate Solutions (WCS) Malaysia Sdn Bhd previously.
The partnership supports a similar Blue Carbon project focused on restoring mangrove forests, boosting biodiversity, and promoting local ecotourism.
