Forestry officials and staff together with the PbN audit team in the field.
SANDAKAN : – The Sabah Forestry Department has been awarded the Ecosystem Restoration Field Verification Certificate.
This is in recognition of the dedication to restore the orang utan habitat in the Ulu Segama-Malua Sustainable Forest Management Project (USM SFMP) in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, emphasized that the certification signifies the departments commitment to holistic ecosystem restoration, encompassing not just forests and trees, but also their biodiversity and ecological functions.
Ecosystem restoration is critical in addressing climate change, aiding the recovery of degraded ecosystems and conserving those that remain intact, he said in a statement today.
This achievement underscores Sabahs proactive role in promoting sustainable and resilient landscapes for a better and healthier planet.
The certificate is valid for a duration of 5 years (November 2024 November 2029), subject to compliance with verification requirements.
It was issued by an internationally recognized certification body, Preferred by Nature (PbN).
PbN has conducted a comprehensive field audit to evaluate the ecological, economic, and social performance of the restoration efforts in Compartment 153 (200 hectares) at Lower Kawag, part of USM SFMP, from 3rd to 5th September 2024.
This globally recognized Ecosystem Restoration Verification Standard, developed by PbN, evaluates on-the-ground restoration efforts, ensuring compliance with best practices in sustainability and environmental recovery. Passing this rigorous evaluation reflects the Sabah Forestry Department’s dedication to sustainable forest management and ecosystem conservation, in achieving a balance ecological integrity, community well-being, and economic development.
