HoB for betterment in forest management, conservation: Kurup

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Natural Resources & Environment Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative is a significant initiative that will directly contribute towards the betterment in forest management and conservation.
“As such, Malaysia reiterates the importance that this initiative be continued within the government’s sustainable development framework and policy,” he said when closing the International Conference on “Heart of Borneo+5 & Beyond: Shaping & Nurturing Sabah’s Future Together” here yesterday.
Kurup said the conservation of forests in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei was a matter of major local, national, regional and international concern for the diversity of their unique array of plants and animals.
The HoB areas, he added, must be effectively managed on the basis of sustainable land use planning and implementation with regard to the balance of ecosystem, socio-cultural, economic and political aspects within the respective nations.
“There is no doubt that we cannot achieve the objectives in isolation but to work hand-in-hand among agencies and individuals at the state, national and international levels in order to move forward.
“The government will ensure that the close cooperation among all the relevant agencies will continue to prevail in achieving its objectives through sustainable forest management in Sabah,” said Kurup.
And, he also said the HoB programme was aimed at conserving and managing the contagious tropical rainforests on the island of Borneo.
He said during the HoB declaration almost five years ago, the three governments (Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei) had recognised and committed to a set of measures and actions to ensure the sustainability of the effort in managing and conserving a large tract of area that cradled the three countries.
Kurup also noted that Malaysia recognised the significance of the approaches, which were in harmony with the existing policies, plans and programmes pertaining to sustainable development.
“I am also delighted to note that about 600 participants from various agencies, both local and international, contributed valuable information during the conference by discussing relevant issues on forest and biodiversity, agriculture and plantation, infrastructure and energy development, community development and tourism.
“The paper presentations have enriched and provided the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the HoB initiative.
“Indeed, the two-day conference not only provided information, but also serves as a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas among relevant agencies and individuals in realising the implementation of HoB in Sabah.