Forest Dept seeks to end Upper Baram Forest Area project, cites interference of NGOs

KUCHING (Oct 10): The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) is seeking the termination of the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) project following ongoing challenges and disruptions in project implementation.

The department announced its decision today during the project steering committee meeting.

The UBFA project was funded by the City of Basel, Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF), and Government of Japan through the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).

In a press statement, FDS said UBFA has encountered significant interference from local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), notably BMF and Save Rivers.

According to FDS, these interventions have led to distrust and the spread of misleading information among local communities.

Director of forests Datu Hamden Mohammad said since the project’s inception in September 2023, the department has faced numerous disruptions that hinder its progress.

“This includes the submission of official letters to high-level officials, overseas demonstrations, and publishing damaging articles containing unsubstantiated allegations against Sarawak and the ITTO (International Tropical Timber Organization) without consulting project partners,” he said in his opening remarks for the meeting.

Hamden stressed the importance of aligning project goals with Sarawak’s development and conservation plans, as contained within the International Tropical Timber Council’s (ITTC) approved project document, but pointed out the changing and differing aspirations of some stakeholders, particularly NGOs, have created insurmountable challenges.

Consequently, through the FDS, the Sarawak government has regrettably requested the termination of the UBFA project under Article XI Section 11.01c of the project agreement, citing that its continued approval and funding no longer serve the project’s objectives, he said.

“This decision was made after careful consideration and in alignment with Sarawak’s strategic objectives under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“(But) the Sarawak government remains committed to supporting the people of Upper Baram and plans to pursue the project with different funding sources,” he added.