Rajang Mangrove National Park sets benchmark for development–conservation balance

2 hours ago 8

ADVERTISE HERE

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 13: The Rajang Mangrove National Park (RMNP) is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset that safeguards the environment while generating new economic opportunities for local communities.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh said this was due to the shift from logging activities to forest conservation, which has introduced a new dimension in more sustainable economic development.

RMNP, one of the largest mangrove forest areas in Sarawak, is now seen as a leading example of balancing economic development needs with environmental conservation efforts.

He noted the mangrove ecosystems’ role in naturally absorbing carbon, making areas such as RMNP potentially valuable in the rapidly growing global carbon credit market.

“Due to that, replanting efforts not only help reduce carbon emissions but can also generate economic returns through carbon credit trading, particularly with countries that have high carbon emissions,” he said during a filming session of the RTM documentary Simfoni Alam titled ‘Pasak Bakau Rajang’, which took place at Kampung Rajang Jetty on Sunday (Apr 12).

Len Talif also noted that the RMNP provides direct benefits to residents through economic activities based on natural resources, such as crab farming, harvesting clams, and other marine products, carried out sustainably without damaging the ecosystem.

“This indirectly reduces dependence on traditional logging, while ensuring that community income sources remain secure in the long term,” he said.

In addition, he emphasised how vital it is for the younger generation to play a role in preserving the sustainability of the area so that its benefits can continue to be enjoyed. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article