Forest carbon initiatives create jobs: Len Talif

A total of 11 entities are involved in forest carbon trading activities in Sarawak, with three having been granted Forest Carbon Licences covering 56,806 hectares.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh said one of the three licensed projects was undergoing validation by a body recognised under international carbon standards, while the other two licences had recently been approved.

“The remaining eight entities have been issued Carbon Study Permits covering 179,327 hectares, allowing them to conduct studies and prepare the Sarawak Project Design Document (SPDD) as part of the requirements for Forest Carbon Licence approval,” he said in response to Dr Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu) during question and answer session on Thursday (Oct 15).

He said that under the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022, forest carbon trading activities can only be carried out after obtaining a Forest Carbon Licence from the Sarawak government.

He explained that obtaining a Forest Carbon Licence did not automatically allow a project to generate carbon credits, as it must first undergo validation and verification by bodies accredited under international carbon standards.

“After a project successfully passes the validation stage, the verification process will be carried out by the same validation and verification body.

“Once the project passes verification, it will receive certification, allowing forest carbon credits to be officially generated, registered in a carbon market system and traded with domestic and international buyers,” he said.

On the benefits to local communities, Len Talif said forest carbon initiatives could create employment opportunities and provide additional sources of income for those living near project areas.

“Local communities have opportunities to benefit directly through employment and capacity-building programmes implemented by forest carbon project developers,” he said.

He said potential economic opportunities included boat rental services and the provision of workers to support project activities.

Communities could also receive technical training in forest replanting, nursery management, forest inventories, biomass assessment and sustainable natural resource management.

“These programmes are expected to improve the skills, knowledge and practical experience of local communities in managing forest carbon projects, while opening up opportunities for higher incomes and more sustainable economic activities,” he said.

He added that international carbon standards required project developers to work with local communities and relevant stakeholders, with social safeguards incorporated into the SPDD and reviewed during project validation.

In response to a separate question from Dr Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) on blue carbon projects, Len Talif said one Carbon Study Permit had been issued for a blue carbon project, excluding the Paloh and Serdeng areas.

“No applications have been received for the Daro area so far,” he said.

He explained that a Carbon Study Permit enabled developers to conduct preliminary assessments of a project’s technical and economic feasibility, including its carbon sequestration potential, reporting requirements and suitability of the proposed area.

Applications must be submitted to the Director of Forests, with the proposed area covering at least 100 hectares.