Sarawak delegation briefed on conservation efforts at Penrose Plantation Forest in Australia

Awang Tengah (right) and others listen to a briefing at Penrose Plantation Forest in Australia.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 12: A Sarawak government delegation, led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, recently visited the Penrose Plantation Forest in Canberra, Australia, as part of their benchmarking visit to study crocodile management.

According to a press release, Penrose Plantation Forest, located in the picturesque Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, is renowned for its expansive and well-managed pine plantations.

Covering over 1,000 hectares, Penrose Plantation Forest is a pivotal site for research, recreation, and sustainable timber production.

Managed by Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, it is a model of modern forestry practices, balancing ecological preservation with commercial forestry operations.

According to the press release, the delegation during the visit learnt about the plantation’s sustainable timber production by observing the life cycle—from planting to harvesting, and learn about the sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact.

The delegation also received a briefing on the forest’s biodiversity conservation efforts, showcasing how sustainable forestry can co-exist with the preservation of natural habitats.

Additionally, the delegation also explored the forest’s recreational facilities, including walking trails, picnic areas, and educational programmes designed to foster community involvement in forestry conservation.

This is pivotal to the policy in Sarawak, especially so, following the introduction of Amenity Forests through amendments to the Forests Ordinance in 2022.

Awang Tengah emphasised that Sarawak is committed to ensure sustainable supply of raw material for timber-based industry while continuing the initiatives in preservation of natural forests.

The Sarawak delegation included Sarawak Attorney General (SAG) Datu Saferi Ali, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi, Director of Forest Datu Hamden Mohamad, Controller of Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Jack Liam, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) general manager Zainal Abidin Abdullah, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, Harwood Timber Sdn Bhd general manager Abu Hassan Yusuf, as well as senior officers from various ministries, departments and agencies. — DayakDaily