KOTA KINABALU: Agroforestry is among the focal sectors that Sabah will continue to prioritise, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Chief Minister stated that Sabah is committed to promoting agroforestry to enhance ecosystem services, boost climate resilience, support rural livelihoods, and ensure food security.
"In Sabah, we have witnessed remarkable success stories. Agroforestry models have improved soil health, increased crop yields, and provided economic benefits for local communities," he said on Friday (Oct 18).
"The Sabah Forestry Department has contributed significantly to these efforts," he added.
Hajiji highlighted that the state government has established the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SABC), which has been elevated to a distinct entity under the Chief Minister's Department through an amendment to the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment.
"This structural enhancement underscores the state's commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, and we are proud to have the Centre as one of our key partners in this conference," he said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the International Conference on Biodiversity, Agroforestry, Non-Wood Forest Products, and Sustainable Livelihoods (ICBANS) 2024, held at the Hilton Hotel.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Hajiji noted that since its inception 16 years ago, the SABC has progressed significantly in managing Sabah's biological resources.
The Centre has made strides as a strategic partner to bolster efforts in biodiversity management.
"Along with the Sabah Biodiversity Council (SBC), the Centre forms a critical framework for the management, conservation, protection, and legal oversight of Sabah's biological resources," he said.
Sabah, recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, acknowledges the urgency of preserving its natural heritage, according to Hajiji.
"Our state is home to iconic species like the orangutan, proboscis monkey, and pygmy elephant. Mount Kinabalu, a Unesco World Heritage Site, boasts an incredible array of flora and fauna. We take pride in protecting these treasures for future generations," he stated.
