Len Talif speaks during the DUN sitting today, – Penerangan photo

KUCHING (Oct 15): A total of 11 entities are involved in forest carbon credit trading activities in Sarawak, of which three have been granted Forest Carbon Licences covering a total of 56,806 hectares, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

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The Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister said under the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022, carbon credit trading activities can only be carried out after obtaining a Forest Carbon Licence.

“Of the three licences, one is undergoing validation by Validation/Verification Bodies (VVBs) recognised under international carbon standards, while the other two licences have only recently been approved and issued to the licensees.

“Meanwhile, another eight entities have been granted Carbon Study Permits covering a total of 179,327 hectares,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here.

He was replying to a question from Dr Simon Sinang (GPS-Tebedu), who had asked what was the current status of carbon credit trading in the state and how many entities have been approved by the Sarawak government.

He said these permits allow the holders to conduct studies and prepare a Sarawak Project Design Document (SPDD), which is one of the requirements for obtaining a Forest Carbon Licence.

“One Carbon Study Permit has been issued for the implementation of a Blue Carbon Project, excluding the areas of Paloh and Serdeng.
 

“No applications have been received for the Daro area to date,” he said.

Responding to a supplementary question on forest carbon credits, Len Talif said validation of forest carbon projects is carried out by Validation/Verification Bodies (VVBs) accredited under international carbon standards.

“Once the project has passed this stage, the VVBs will proceed with the verification process.
 

“After successfully passing the verification stage, the forest carbon project will receive certification, enabling forest carbon credits to be officially generated,” he said.

He added that these credits can subsequently be registered in the carbon market system and traded with buyers in both domestic and international markets.

“At this stage, the project will begin generating actual economic value,” he remarked.

 

Len Talif noted that local communities have opportunities to benefit directly from forest carbon initiatives, particularly through employment opportunities and capacity-building programmes implemented by forest carbon project developers.

“Among the economic opportunities that may be created are boat rental services and employment for workers to support project activities.

“In addition, communities can benefit from capacity-building programmes that include technical training in forest replanting, seedling nursery management, forest inventory, biomass assessment and sustainable natural resource management,” he said.

He said the implementation of these programmes is expected to enhance the skills, knowledge and practical experience of local communities in forest carbon project management.

“Indirectly, these initiatives can strengthen community participation in forest and environmental conservation efforts, while creating opportunities for increased income and more sustainable economic activities,” he added.