KOTA KINABALU: Sabah remains determined to further strengthen the state’s role as a carbon sink through its protection of forests as well as the Crocker Range and Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserves, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“Sabah remains a major net carbon sink, contributing about 36 per cent of Malaysia’s total carbon sequestration through its vast tropical forests.
“The key message is that biosphere reserves support the climate, particularly by functioning as carbon sinks,” he said at the 12th anniversary celebration of the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve and declaration ceremony of the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve at Padang Merdeka here Sunday (June 14).
Hajiji said both the biosphere reserves are special areas where nature is protected and human activities are managed sustainably.
“The Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve protects mountain and forest ecosystems to conserve unique flora and fauna while supporting water catchment functions.
“The Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve focuses on river and wetland ecosystems, which are important habitats for wildlife and essential for maintaining healthy water systems.
“When forests are protected and allowed to recover and regenerate naturally, they continue to store carbon over the longterm,” he said.
He said biosphere reserves also play an important role in strengthening local economies and that conservation is most effective when communities benefit from efforts to protect nature.
“In the Crocker Range and Kinabatangan, local communities can benefit through sustainable tourism, including homestays and community-based enterprises.
“These long-term livelihood opportunities encourage communities to continue protecting forests and wildlife because the environment becomes a stable source of income rather than a source of short-term gains,” he said.
“Therefore, we must ensure that the recognition of these two biosphere reserves brings benefits and economic spillover effects to all segments of society living within both biosphere reserve areas,” he said, adding that the Unesco proclamation of the two biospheres was a proud achievement not only for Sabah but for Malaysia.
The Kinabatangan landscape covers about 413,866 hectares, which includes rich biodiversity value and ecological significance at the international level, attracting attention in the fields of research, education, nature-based tourism and global collaboration opportunities.
Hajiji said the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, which spans 350,584 hectares and was declared in 2014 covers an area with a population of about one million spread across 400 villages in 10 districts: Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Ranau, Tambunan, Keningau, Tenom, Beaufort, Papar and Membakut.
The recognition of the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve together with the proclamation of Kinabalu Park as a World Heritage site in 2000 helped Sabah attain Unesco Triple Crown Sites status.
