Forest Department Sarawak inks MoU with Australian National University

KUCHING (Aug 13): The Sarawak government through the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Australian National University (ANU) for bilateral collaboration in forestry, biodiversity conservation, climate and energy initiatives research, as well as capacity building and technology transfer.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan witnessed the signing ceremony at ANU in Canberra, Australia, yesterday.

Director of Forest Datu Hamden Mohamad signed the MoU on behalf of Sarawak, while ANU College of Science dean Prof Kiaran Kirk represented the university.

“This partnership aims to advance sustainable forest ecosystem functions, biodiversity conservation, climate and energy initiatives, and sustainable forest management,” said Awang Tengah, who is Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, in a press statement today.

“It also focuses on plantation forestry, forest fire management, and opportunities for officer and researcher development through capacity building and other mutually agreed areas of collaboration.”

Prior to the signing ceremony, the Sarawak delegation engaged in a briefing and dialogue session with officials from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government, including representatives from the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.

“The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development and the Forest Department Sarawak, is dedicated to the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources,” Awang Tengah said.

“Our efforts are directed at preserving Sarawak’s rich natural heritage for future generations, balancing ecological integrity with the needs of local communities.”

Among those present at the ceremony were State Attorney-General Datu Saferi Ali, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) controller Jack Liam, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, and Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd general manager Abu Hassan Yusuf.