KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will continue to promote agroforestry to enhance ecosystem services, foster climate resilience, support rural livelihoods, and ensure food security.
State Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah's successful agroforestry models have improved soil health, increased crop yields, and provided economic benefits for local communities.
In demonstrating its commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, he noted that the state government had established the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC), which has now been elevated to a distinct entity under the Chief Minister's Department through amendments to the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment.
"This structural reinforcement underscores our commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, and we are proud to have the Centre as a key partner in this conference," he said at the International Conference on Biodiversity, Agroforestry, Non-Wood Forest Products, and Sustainable Livelihoods (ICBANS) 2024.
Hajiji, whose speech was delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, highlighted that since its inception 16 years ago, SaBC has successfully managed Sabah's biological resources and enhanced efforts in biodiversity management.
Along with the Sabah Biodiversity Council (SBC), the centre plays a critical role in the conservation and legal oversight of Sabah's biological resources.
"The urgency of our work has never been more critical. The world faces unprecedented challenges in biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation. However, this conference reminds us of the opportunities we have to make a meaningful difference," he said.
He commended SaBC for organising this significant conference in partnership with like-minded organisations such as the V.Sivaram Research Foundation (VSRF), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Agroforestry Research Institute (ICAR-CAFRI), and the Society for Conservation and Resource Development of Medicinal Plants.
"As we embark on this journey together, I encourage everyone to engage in open dialogue, share insights, and form partnerships that will help us turn ideas into action.
"Let this conference be a turning point where we collectively take responsibility for our planet's future and pave the way for a more sustainable, harmonious world," he said.