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Sabah Foundation (YS) is discussing with a UK-based company to set up a Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) project, involving an area of 80,000 hectares within the Kuamut Forest Reserve, similar to its success story in the Deramakot Forest Reserve.YS Deputy Director, Datuk Sam Mannan said both sides have reached a deal on the amount to be allocated as a deposit for the project and details of the agreement would be revealed soon.

“A certain interest from the United Kingdom is looking at a place in the Kuamut Forest Reserve which encompasses 80,000 hectares. We are certain of the revenue to be realised,” he said, adding the firm has the expertise and resources to handle the project, drawing upon its experience in managing its concession in Indonesia of a total of 150,000 hectares.

He said, the area is the next focus for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM), set to follow in the footsteps of the Deramakot the first and longest tropical rainforest in the world to be certified with the gold standard of a well-managed forest by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). Additionally, he said YS is also committed to safeguard the interest of local communities whose lives depend on the forest.

Sam is happy with the progress made by Yayasan Sabah to certify other forest reserves in the State, noting the Foundation has finalised certain areas to be designated as conservation areas which was planned 10 years ago.