Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan said the State has the areas for the purpose of carbon trading.
“We do have areas for the purpose (of the carbon trading project), but it depends how they want to develop the concept and the narrative in terms of the areas protected in the long run.
“When we talk about carbon projects, one must ensure additionality,” he said, adding various models, intervention and approaches would have to be considered for the project to take off.
Frederick was speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here, Thursday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more On Wednesday, WWF-Malaysia had asked the Sabah Government to pinpoint designated areas in the 100-year Nature Conservation Agreement, which will initially cover 600,000 hectares of land.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) had also questioned the additionality in Trusmadi, where the forest reserves would not fulfil the criteria of additionality.
Frederick also said Sabah is optimistic about getting 30 per cent of 2.2 million hectares in the State gazetted as total protected areas.
As of now, Sabah has achieved 27 per cent or two million hectares.
By exploring conservation areas managed by communities and private sectors, he said the State could easily hit the target.
As for next year’s HoB conference, Frederick said the theme would be centred on issues related to the borders.
“It is very important which is in line with the transboundary cooperation with neighbouring countries. I think it is timely that we link up with Kalimantan and neighbouring states,” he added.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.