KOTA KINABALU: Sabah forestry authorities have been recognised for their conservation efforts for the orangutan.
This was after the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) was awarded the Ecosystem Restoration Field Verification Certificate by the Preferred by Nature (PbN), an internationally recognised certification body.
This was in recognition of the department’s dedication to restoring the orangutan habitat in the Ulu Segama-Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project (USM SFMP) in the east coast Lahad Datu district.
In a statement on Friday (Dec 6), Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan said that the certification signifies the department’s commitment to holistic ecosystem restoration, encompassing not just forests and trees, but also their biodiversity and ecological functions.
He said ecosystem restoration was critical in addressing climate change, aiding the recovery of degraded ecosystems and conserving those that remain intact.
This achievement underscores Sabah’s proactive role in promoting sustainable and resilient landscapes for a better and healthier planet, he added.
The certificate is valid for a duration of five years (November 2024 – November 2029), subject to compliance with verification requirements.
SFD said Preferred by Nature has conducted a comprehensive field audit to evaluate the ecological, economic, and social performance of the restoration efforts in Compartment 153 (200ha) at Lower Kawag, part of USM SFMP, from Sept 3 to 5.
It added that this globally recognised Ecosystem Restoration Verification Standard, developed by Preferred by Nature, evaluates on-the-ground restoration efforts, ensuring compliance with best practices in sustainability and environmental recovery.
“Passing this rigorous evaluation reflects the department’s dedication to sustainable forest management and ecosystem conservation, in achieving a balance of ecological integrity, community well-being, and economic development,” SFD said.
