KUCHING: Timber operators in Sarawak have been urged to move towards sustainable forest management and obtain internationally recognised certification.
“Certification is the way forward to cushion any environmental and social impact to Mother Nature, and Indigenous Peoples who depend on the forests, as well as criticism from international buyers and watchdog organisations, local civil societies and communities,” said WWF-Malaysia in a statement issued yesterday.
WWF-Malaysia pointed out that the organisation recognises the push by the Sarawak Government to get all forest management units within the Heart of Borneo in the state certified.
“However, this journey towards greater sustainability for timber production is still a long way to go,” it said.
The statement is issued in reaction to the recent news highlighting indigenous leaders from Sarawak appealing to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop Japan’s use of wood from a company that is allegedly destroying their forests and livelihoods.
