Petronas, SFC ink MoU to explore Nature-Based Solutions in S’wak

KUCHING (Aug 19): Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to explore and develop Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) projects in Sarawak.

NBS are activities related to the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems to remove greenhouse gas emissions, and the projects must be of high quality and integrity while meeting internationally-recognised certification standards.

Under the MoU, both parties will identify and explore potential sites in Sarawak to develop these projects that will generate and benefit local communities and biodiversity.

SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said SFC was delighted to work together with Petronas to facilitate the development of NBS projects and the collaboration was a good start to a potential medium-term collaboration on identifying NBS sites.

“Conservation is a marathon that requires not only scientific expertise, but also commitment and sustained conservation funding. Petronas has collaborated with us on several conservation projects over the years, including two coral reef conservation projects in Bintulu and Miri.

“We look forward to continuing this partnership with Petronas and working together to protect the natural habitat by exploring NBS in Sarawak,” he said in his speech.

Today, SFC also inked other MoUs with ESG Malaysia on ESG activities and biodiversity conservation and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) on new energy.

Abang Arabi said as the custodian of all Totally Protected Areas, national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries in Sarawak, SFC is also mandated to protect all wildlife in the state.

“The task is a most challenging one and more so when climate change and 6th Extinction are issues affecting the world, and Sarawak is no exception to this. When we started looking at the pristineness of our Totally Protected Areas, we do see areas that need improvement in terms of habitat,” he said.

He added NBS solutions are just one of the tools Sarawak is looking at to reduce its carbon footprint.

“When we started documenting carbon emissions from our selected protected areas, it was clear we do need to think about reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It is here we stepped up in our discussions with SEDC to look at various renewable energy initiatives.

“This could be in several of our protected areas, including Unesco Heritage Sites such as Mulu National Park and Niah National Park,” he said.

Among the smaller initiatives on renewable energy that could be explored are battery-powered boats and solar panels to supplement SFC examination for the potential of hydrogen power platforms in these national parks, he said.

Abang Arabi added the work with ESG Malaysia was pivotal, as SFC has taken an approach to work with donors on ESG reporting such as data collection on ESG metrics required for reporting.

The exchange of MoUs was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

-Agency