Owners with gazetted NCR land can join Sarawak carbon credit, reforestation initiatives

KUCHING (Nov 28): Owners of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land that has been gazetted can apply for a Forest Carbon Study Permit to participate in carbon credit and reforestation initiatives.

Natural Resources and Urban Development Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the initiative forms part of the state’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

“In Sarawak, this initiative has been strengthened through the enactment of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023 and the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022.

“These regulations require all carbon projects to comply with internationally recognised carbon standards, including Verra and the Gold Standard, to ensure integrity, transparency and effective implementation,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.

He was responding to Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS–Tamin), who asked about the outcomes of carbon credit and reforestation initiatives following the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) and how rural communities, including those in Tamin, can participate and benefit economically from the programme.

Following the introduction of the Ordinance and its regulations, Len Talif said several initiatives had been implemented, including nine Forest Carbon Study Permits covering 231,983ha of forested land, with seven new applications currently under consideration.

In addition, a Forest Carbon Licence covering 25,675ha has been issued, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Mubadala Energy, Abu Dhabi, on NbS and blue carbon potential, was signed on Nov 6, 2024.

On whether project developers provide training and capacity-building programmes for communities involved in carbon project management and reforestation efforts, Len Talif said developers will offer various forms of training and capacity-building support.

“These include training in reforestation techniques, nursery management, project area monitoring and patrolling, sustainable forest resource management, and biomass inventory training.

“These programmes will help communities enhance their skills, knowledge and practical experience in managing carbon projects, thereby strengthening their involvement in environmental conservation efforts,” he added.