PAPAR: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) entered the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for the most number of nations participating in a tree planting initiative.
What’s more – the tree saplings at the Kawang Forest Reserve, here, were planted by 44 beauty queens from all over the world, turning it into an International Friendship Garden.
It was part of activities in conjunction with the 26th Miss Tourism International 2023 pageant ongoing until Nov 25.
Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said setting the national record could propel the State’s efforts in bringing tree planting to new heights and help realise its aspiration for Sabah to have 40 million new trees two years from now.
“We are elated to know that we are in the MBR. We hope to make a profound impact, particularly in terms of raising awareness on the crucial role that forests play in our lives.
“This recognition by MBR and the involvement of 44 different countries will indeed enrich this and perhaps put Kawang on the tourism map.
“This is symbolic of our strong commitment in forest plantation and conservation,” he said. Present was Miss Tourism Pageant Founder Tan Sri Danny Ooi.
Frederick said there was need to look into other revenue sources in Sabah’s forestry, such as nature-based tourism.
“While I believe in the importance of the forestry’s core business, which is timber and logging, there are many (other) economies that depend on the ecosystem services provided by the forest for survival and growth.
“The opportunity of generating forest revenue beyond timber, such as nature tourism, should be further unlocked,” he said, adding there are 52 nature-based recreation sites established within forest reserves throughout the state, Kawang being one of them.
He encouraged the beauties to visit some of these 52 nature-based recreational sites should they return for a holiday.
He said the SFD’s perspective and approaches have evolved over the years and expanded beyond traditional forestry, timber and logging.
“We are now committed to forest conservation and protection, which is proven with our restoration activities throughout the years in the State. Tree planting is one of the many efforts to restore the forest.”
Frederick said the State has planted 14.3 million trees to date and is confident that the goal of 40 million trees can be achieved.
“There are still two more years to go and with the stakeholders and the public playing their roles, we can achieve it even earlier. If every person (in Sabah) plants one tree, it can be achieved,” he said.
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