BY JAMES WONG AND NURA V LORNA
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government remains steadfast in proving that development and environmental preservation can go hand in hand.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said his government will continue to expand and declare more natural parks, such as the marine national park, Luconia Shoals, which was gazetted in 2018.
“Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is central to sustainability. We have been entrusted with the authority to manage our environment, a responsibility handed back to the state by the federal government.
“This is a great responsibility, as all our development initiatives must align with global environmental standards.
“Our vision is to demonstrate to the world that Sarawak can develop while safeguarding its natural heritage,” he said.
He said this when attending Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) Outstanding Service Award ceremony held here last night (Nov 15).
Meanwhile, Abang Johari highlighted the importance of Wetlands National Park in studying climate change, particularly its carbon storage potential through mangroves and other ecosystems.
These habitats, he said, are home to diverse species, including 20 newly discovered frog species in Sarawak.
“That is the indicator of climate change. I hope that we can contribute to finding out the trend of global climate change. Once we have the data then we can find a solution to this climate change,” he added.
Touching on Sarawak’s achievement of Niah National Park being declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, he said it is equally important to improve infrastructure outside these areas to boost tourism.
“We have to do whatever we can to preserve it. Meanwhile, outside of it, we have to develop our infrastructure so that tourists can come over,” he said.
Meanwhile, SFC CEO Abang Arabi Abang Aimran announced plans for an additional research station at Niah National Park.
He said the station will support the Archaeological Heritage of the Niah Caves Complex, ensuring the preservation of its outstanding universal values.
