Sarawak to impose 5% fee on carbon trading

Sarawak will implement a 5% Forest Ecosystem Fee (FEF) on carbon trading to support forest carbon projects. The government also imposes an annual land use tax based on licensed area size. International rates may be adjusted as needed. 13 forest carbon research permit applications have been received, with one in production, two issued, seven under evaluation, and three rejected. Click here to know more.

State governments are urged to include public inquiry in state forestry enactment

State governments are urged to include public inquiry procedures in their forestry laws before degazetting forest areas. Only Selangor and Perlis have done so. The Ministry is actively planting trees and aims to reach 100 million by next year. The minister emphasized the need to address climate change and investigate recent incidents of uprooted trees. Communication is ongoing with state governments regarding the illegal extraction of rare earth oxide from forest reserves. Click here to learn more. 

Yayasan Sabah surveys Maliau Basin for conservation potential

Yayasan Sabah is surveying the Maliau Basin to collect conservation data. This is the second survey with a focus on gathering information for the management plan, specifically on biodiversity, wildlife, and tourism potential. The survey involves 100 participants spread across 9 campsites within a 5 km radius. The Sabah Wildlife Department is leading the survey with support from other agencies. The findings will be used to inform the third MBCA Strategic Management Plan. Click here to learn more.

Malaysia commits to maintaining 50% forest cover in UN Forest Forum

Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to maintain 50% forest and tree cover, as pledged at the 1992 Earth Summit. Minister Nik Nazmi emphasizes this at UNFF19, highlighting Malaysia's 54.58% forest cover. He calls for international financial aid for sustainable forest management, proposing a UNFF transition to a formal convention. Malaysia aims to preserve natural resources in line with international agreements. Nik Nazmi stresses forestry's role in carbon projects for income generation. He discusses cross-border collaboration with Indonesia and explores scientific resources for a Natural History Museum under the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022-2030. To learn more, click here.

The SEA Biosphere Reserves Network promotes biodiversity conservation and socio-economic resilience

The 15th SeaBRnet Meeting at Wakatobi Biosphere Reserve emphasized multi-stakeholder collaboration for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Southeast Asian biosphere reserves. Participants integrated climate change mitigation, shared best practices, and highlighted biosphere reserves as models for inclusive development. Outcomes will shape a new 10-year strategy at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in 2025, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Click here to learn more.

Government received 13 forest carbon research permit applications

The government has received 13 forest carbon research permit applications, with one license in production, two permits issued, seven under evaluation, and three rejected. Carbon trading is promoted as a climate change initiative and economic opportunity without deforestation, with a Forest Ecosystem Fee (FEF) and land use tax in place. Sarawak aims to meet global emission reduction goals by 2050 through sustainable forest management for economic, social, and environmental benefits. To know more, click here.

Sarawak Forestry Dept to protect 845-hectare area for endangered Tricolor Langur

A new habitat of the critically endangered tricolour langur has been discovered in Selai Inah River, Sarawak. Previously found only in Maludam National Park, the langur is a protected species under Sarawak law and the IUCN Red List. The Sarawak Forest Dept is designating the Sungai Selai Inah protected forest, spanning 845 hectares, as a new habitat for the langur. Research documented eight langur groups in the Jemoreng peat swamp forest. Plans to propose the Sebangkoi Nature Park as an amenity forest are underway based on the expedition's results. Click here to learn more.

IUCN introduces a Global Roadmap for Rights and Equity in Conservation

A global roadmap with 11 priority areas and 32 action items aims to advance human rights, Indigenous peoples' rights, and equitable governance in conservation by 2030. It involves diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous groups and NGOs, focusing on changing conservation discourses and laws to recognize rights over territories. The initiative integrates actions for tenure recognition and governance assessments in protected areas. To know more, you can click here.

Bursa Malaysia to auction first Malaysian carbon credits from rainforest project

The Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX) will auction the first local carbon credits on July 25, expanding its product offerings and showcasing Malaysia's environmental leadership. This follows the recent news of Malaysia's first nature-based carbon credit becoming available for Malaysian buyers through the Sabah's Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project at BCX. To learn more, you can click here.

Verra to launch nature framework and pursue stewardship credits later this year

Verra will launch its nature framework by year-end, including testing nature stewardship credits as a separate unit type. The framework has been strengthened based on feedback and ongoing analysis, with a focus on rewarding successful nature conservation in well-managed areas. Plans to explore stewardship credits for Indigenous Peoples and local communities are in motion, with development set to begin in 2025. To know more, you can click here.