KUCHING: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) announced on Thursday (Oct 10) during the Project Steering Committee meeting its request for the termination of the Upper Baram Forest Area Project (UBFA) PD 902/19 rev.3 (F).
This decision follows ongoing challenges and disruptions in project implementation.
The UBFA project, funded by the City of Basel, the Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) and the government of Japan through the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), has encountered significant interference from local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), notably BMF and Save Rivers.
These interventions have led to distrust and the spread of misleading information among local communities.
“Since the project’s inception in September 2023, we have faced numerous disruptions that hinder our progress.
“This includes the submission of official letters to high-level officials, overseas demonstrations, and publishing damaging articles containing unsubstantiated allegations against Sarawak and the ITTO without consulting project partners,” said FDS director Datuk Hamden Mohammad.
Hamden noted the importance of aligning project goals with Sarawak’s development and conservation plans, as contained within the International Tropical Timber Council’s (ITTC) approved project document.
However, he said the changing and differing aspirations of some stakeholders, particularly NGOs, have created insurmountable challenges.
“Consequently, through the Forest Department, the Sarawak government has regrettably requested the termination of the UBFA project under Article XI Section 11.01 c of the project agreement, citing that its continued approval and funding no longer serve the project’s objectives,” he said.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and in alignment with Sarawak’s strategic objectives under the Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The Sarawak government remains committed to supporting the people of Upper Baram and plans to pursue the project with different funding sources,” he added.
