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KUCHING, Feb 18 – Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, reaffirmed the state government’s strong commitment to environmental conservation by officially opening Wisma Lestari, the headquarters of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
A Commitment to Conservation
The Premier highlighted that Wisma Lestari represents Sarawak’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity, particularly its tropical rainforests and ecosystems, for future generations.
“We must strike a balance between development and environmental conservation. This effort is crucial not just for Sarawak, but also for our neighbouring countries and the global ecosystem,” he said during the opening ceremony held at Wisma Lestari.
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He commended the collaboration between SFC and related agencies in maintaining environmental sustainability, ensuring that Sarawak remains a leader in conservation efforts.
Expanding Protected Areas
Abang Johari also announced the government’s target to expand the state’s forest reserves and national parks to one million hectares. Currently, around 900,000 hectares have been designated as protected areas.
“We want to ensure that our forests and biodiversity are preserved for the long term. The recent recognition of Kuching as a Geopark further reflects the natural treasures we possess,” he added.
Discovery of New Species
The Premier also shared exciting discoveries in Sarawak’s rich ecosystems, including a newly identified frog species that has never been recorded before. These findings highlight the importance of continued research and conservation efforts.
He also emphasized the significance of archaeological studies in understanding the history of human civilization and environmental changes, citing the internationally recognized Niah archaeological site as an example.
“The research at Niah suggests that this area was once part of the ocean, giving us valuable insights into geological shifts and human evolution over time,” he said.
Balancing Economy and Sustainability
Abang Johari stressed that conservation must go hand in hand with sustainable economic activities. He hopes that Wisma Lestari will serve as a key research and knowledge hub for biodiversity conservation in the region.
“With support from academic institutions and research organizations, we can enhance our understanding and ensure that knowledge is passed on to future generations,” he stated.
A Step Forward for Sarawak
The ceremony was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh; and Sarawak State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
The launch of Wisma Lestari marks another step forward in Sarawak’s mission to lead in sustainable environmental management while fostering economic growth.