KOTA KINABALU: Sabah continues to play a vital role in contributing to the global biodiversity conservation agenda through the Sabah Biotechnology Action Blueprint 2024-2034 and expanding its Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), among others, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said this framework shows that the state government continues to strengthen biodiversity governance, the bioeconomy agenda and biotechnology in the state.
"This action plan serves as the state's strategic framework for harnessing Sabah's rich biodiversity responsibly and through science-based approaches to generate greater economic value, strengthen research and innovation and develop a sustainable biotechnology industry," he said at the 2026 Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Awards on Monday (June 29) night.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the state-level World Biodiversity Day celebration.
"Through this action plan, Sabah aims to link biodiversity conservation with socio-economic development while ensuring that biological resources and traditional knowledge are utilised sustainably and that the benefits are shared fairly and equitably among Sabahans," he added.
His deputy Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam delivered the speech.
Hajiji also said biodiversity governance continues to be enhanced through various initiatives, including the digitalisation of management systems and the protection of traditional knowledge.
"This is to ensure that these invaluable resources continue to be preserved and utilised sustainably for present and future generations," he added.
He noted that Sabah is not only rich in biodiversity but also plays a vital role in contributing towards the global biodiversity conservation agenda.
As proof of this commitment, Sabah has further expanded its TPAs through the gazettement of approximately 216,000ha of new protected areas comprising commercial forest reserves and state land, he said.
Hajiji said this would increase the state's total TPA coverage to 2.227 million hectares, representing 30.06% of Sabah's total land area.
This contributes towards Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to ensure that at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas are effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
Hajiji said Sabah continues to be a premier destination for biodiversity research with the DaMaI (Danum-Maliau-Imbak) Forest, comprising the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Maliau Basin Conservation Area and Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, being a world-class biodiversity research hub that attracts both local and international researchers.
"The increasing number of applications for the State Biological Resources Access Licence under the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment 2000 also demonstrates Sabah's recognition as a leading centre for biodiversity research in the region.
"Numerous important discoveries through research, including the identification of new species and innovations, documentation of critical habitats and the development of conservation approaches, are the result of research conducted in Sabah," Hajiji said.
He pointed out another historic milestone in Sabah's biodiversity research, the signing of the first benefit sharing agreement between the state government and Botanickel Sabah Sdn Bhd in September last year.
He said this project focuses on environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources through innovative phytoextraction technology, involving the extraction of nickel from the soil.
"It is expected to generate positive impacts for local communities through employment opportunities, economic activities, long-term agricultural contracts and ecotourism integration, while also sending a strong signal to researchers, investors and international industries to explore the vast potential of Sabah's bioeconomy," he added.
The Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Awards recognise local and international researchers who have made outstanding contributions to advancing scientific knowledge on the state's biodiversity.
Hajiji hoped they would continue to encourage high-quality research to elevate Sabah's standing on the global stage while contributing to ongoing conservation, protection and sustainable use of biodiversity at all levels.
