Abang Johari (back, fifth right) witnesses the presentation of the MBOR certificate during the conference.
KUCHING (July 25): The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has been awarded a national record for restoring the most number of native tree species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The achievement was recorded through restoration activities carried out last year at the Sabal Forest Reserve, where 31,260 indigenous tree seedlings representing 82 native species listed under the IUCN Red List were planted.
According to the FDS, 35 out of the 82 species planted are classified as threatened under the IUCN Red List categories of Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN).
“This reflects the FDS’ strong commitment to restoring populations of indigenous tree species facing a risk of extinction while enhancing the ecological integrity of degraded forest landscapes,” said the department in a statement on Friday.
FDS said the recognition highlighted the significance of restoring forest ecosystems using a diverse range of indigenous species of high ecological and conservation value.
“The effort not only contributed to increasing forest cover, but also strengthened ecosystem resilience, enhanced biodiversity and safeguarded Sarawak’s rich botanical heritage for future generations.”
A symbolic presentation of the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR) certificate was held during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) on July 13, witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
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