KUCHING: The Sarawak Forest Department has partnered with Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands by signing a Letter of Understanding (LOU), the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.

This agreement, announced during a forest carbon trading mechanism training programme at the university, aims to bolster Sarawak's forest carbon initiatives.

The university's Director of Research Dr Gerard Robijn at the university, outlined the training programme's objectives which focus on expanding knowledge, networking with industry professionals, and laying the groundwork for future scientific and educational cooperation.

Deputy Director of Forests Semilan Ripot, emphasised the alignment of this initiative with Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies forestry as a vital economic sector.

He said that this collaboration would enhance the state's efforts in forest conservation, afforestation, and reforestation, contributing to global climate action and creating new economic opportunities through forest carbon projects.

The programme also facilitates a valuable exchange of technical expertise and scientific data between Sarawak's forestry officials and the international academic community, which is crucial for developing well-informed policies and ensuring that Sarawak's forest carbon activities meet international standards.

This partnership marks a significant step in reinforcing Sarawak's commitment to sustainable forest management and its positioning in the global forest carbon market.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1041651/sarawak-forest-department-enhances-carbon-initiatives-dutch-university