By Natasha Jee & Alverdtekoster Anyap
LUNDU: The Sarawak government wants to collaborate with the Indonesian authorities on mangrove conservation and carbon storage in Borneo Island.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he has discussed with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia for a collaboration within Borneo Island in terms of mangrove conservation and carbon storage.
He said that Sarawak was serious in its effort to conserve the mangrove area in the state as part of efforts to preserve the environment.
“The state government has set up the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB) to control and manage Sarawak’s mangrove forests on our coast from Kuching to Lawas.
“One of them is to develop products from the mangrove area, and second is carbon storage.
“While we conserve our coastal area, the initiative also provides a big income to the state,” he said in a press conference after officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony of the Lundu District Administrative Centre here on yesterday (June 11).
He added that studies would also be done on the mangrove ecosystem, not only in terms of carbon storage, but production of ‘gula apong’.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari said based on scientific studies, mangrove trees are able to store carbon three times more compared to normal trees.
“Therefore, as we carry on development, we must also conserve the mangrove ecosystem. There must be a balance in terms of the environment and development,” he said.
