Collective efforts needed to restore peatland, says Abang Jo

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for binding targets to be established for peatland restoration as part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable agricultural practices.

He stressed the need for a collective effort involving both public and private sectors, supported by attractive incentives and international cooperation.

As such, he emphasised the critical role of integrating sustainable peatland management with sago cultivation in addressing both national and global climate goals.

Abang Johari noted that the sago palm offers a unique opportunity for economic growth while protecting the environment, contributing to global climate goals by sequestering carbon dioxide and nitrogen, mitigating floods, and stabilising riverbanks.

“Sago palm is ideal for rehabilitating degraded, unmanaged peatlands, which are a critical part of our fight against climate change. It is uniquely suited to areas prone to flooding, making it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture in such regions.

“By integrating sustainable peatland management with sago palm cultivation, we can contribute to national and global climate goals, improve our environment, provide food, sequester carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, mitigate flooding, and stabilise our riverbanks.”

“However, voluntary efforts alone are not enough. We need binding targets for peatland restoration, as well as incentives for sustainable agriculture.

“International bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Asean also need to take a more strategic direction, and we need to act now,” he said.

He was speaking at the 15th International Sago Symposium 2024 Gala Night at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI) here last night (Sept 24).

Aband Johari also reiterated Sarawak’s commitment to green economy initiatives as part of its Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, where sago palm cultivation plays a central role.

He pointed to the FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme, which promotes sago starch utilisation in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, as an example of how sago palm is gaining recognition for its role in food security and combating climate change.

“Apart from its role in food security, sago palm is a valuable asset with applications in various industries, from food production to biodegradable packaging, animal feed, bio-fertiliser, and biofuel.

“With growing demand for natural, gluten-free products, sago is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers and is a preferred choice in the global market,” he added.

Abang Johari also shared with the international audience that Sarawak has established the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB) to modernise production, promote mechanisation, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while advancing the state’s green economy.

“Sarawak’s sago palm cultivation, covering 62,000 hectares, contributes to 2.5 per cent of the global sago plantation area, which spans 2.5 million hectares, with 92 per cent located in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

“The Mukah Division and Saribas are the primary areas of sago palm cultivation in Sarawak,” he noted.