Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

TOUTED as a game-changer, environmentalists and conservationists have raised serious concerns about the Pan Borneo Highway project’s potential impact such as plans to cut across the biodiversity-rich Tawai Forest Reserve on the East Coast.

A recent seminar by the Sabah Forestry Department, titled “Defining Tawai: Ecological Integrity Meets Social Values”, underscored the significance of the Tawai Forest Reserve as a crucial component of Sabah’s natural heritage. 

One of the key issues discussed was the Highway cutting through Ruku Ruku Valley – an ecologically sensitive area within the reserve and plea to the State Government to consider an alternative route.

Commenting on the issue, Frederick emphasised the risks of habitat fragmentation that would be caused by the highway.

“The Pan Borneo Highway’s route through Ruku Ruku Valley threatens vital wildlife habitats, endangering species that depend on large, connected landscapes, such as the Bornean elephant and the critically endangered Bornean peacock pheasant,” he said.

Experts fear the fragmentation could also escalate human-wildlife conflicts, disrupt key wildlife corridors and diminish the genetic diversity of species within the reserve. 

Concerns were also raised about increasing encroachment and plantation expansion by quarters seizing advantage of the situation.

“The Tawai Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot, playing a critical role in supporting wildlife, providing clean water resources and sustaining local communities. 

“Recent biodiversity surveys there documented 1,296 plant species, including 147 endemic to Borneo and 51 listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. 

“Wildlife studies have also recorded 18 frog species, 68 bird species including the endangered Bornean peacock pheasant and several endemic insects.

“The reserve also holds substantial ecotourism potential. Attractions such as the Tawai waterfall, Tawai Four Peaks and Tawai Rainforest Camp present high-value opportunities for community-based and nature-based tourism. 

“The Community Elephant Ranger Team in Telupid, along with conservation group Seratu Aatai, also highlighted the forest’s role as a critical water catchment area and wildlife movement corridor,” said Frederick.

“It is crucial that we take a pragmatic approach, ensuring development does not come at the cost of our natural heritage. Conservation efforts must go hand in hand with infrastructure development to safeguard Sabah’s biodiversity for future generations.” 

The Sabah Forestry Department, as Secretariat for the Sabah Climate Change Action Council (SCAC), has put forward several crucial recommendations to the State Government in a bid to enhance climate resilience and environmental conservation.

Frederick emphasised the department’s proactive role in shaping climate strategies that align development with sustainability.

“The department has been instrumental in formulating key policies that will ensure Sabah remains at the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Our focus is to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility,” he said.

Among the primary recommendations is the development of Sabah’s Climate Change and Carbon Policy. 

“This policy aims to create a structured framework for managing carbon emissions while promoting investment in carbon sequestration initiatives. Spearheaded by SCAC, the policy will regulate carbon projects and position Sabah as a leader in sustainable forest management, carbon credits and nature-based solutions for climate mitigation,” he explained.

He said another critical recommendation is the integration of climate action into State development plans, adding this involves embedding climate mitigation and adaptation strategies into major infrastructure projects and long-term development blueprints to ensure a sustainable future.

“To support evidence-based decision-making, the department has proposed the establishment of a Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Unit dedicated to conducting Sabah’s GHG Inventory. This unit will systematically track emissions, allowing for more precise policy interventions and monitoring of climate-related impacts.

“Additionally, a comprehensive study on the vulnerability, impacts and adaptation to climate change in Sabah has been proposed. The study will provide a holistic approach to balancing economic growth with environmental conservation while improving the State’s resilience against climate change-related challenges.” 

Heart of Borneo’s 20m ha

THE Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative, involving 20 million hectares in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, faces escalating risks due to climate change-induced droughts. This has raised concerns over the long-term sustainability of one of the world’s largest remaining rainforests.

The grave threats posed by prolonged droughts, which could severely impact biodiversity, water resources and the livelihoods of communities that depend on the forest.

“The HoB plays an essential role in climate regulation, carbon storage and biodiversity conservation. However, with increasing temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, we must act swiftly to counter these threats and protect the ecological and economic future of Borneo,” said Frederick.

Sabah is a key player in the HoB Initiative, making up around 60 per cent of Malaysia’s HoB region’s 6.7 million hectares. 

Climate forecasts are that Borneo will face rising temperatures, erratic precipitation patterns and increased extreme weather events.

“These environmental changes pose significant threats to the region’s delicate ecosystem, affecting both biodiversity and economic stability,” said Frederick.

In response to these growing climate challenges, Sabah must take decisive action, including implementing climate policies, adopting innovative technologies, developing financial mechanisms and increasing public awareness to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen climate resilience.

“Urgent and pragmatic measures are needed to combat these climate threats. “This includes implementing sustainable forest management strategies, investing in research and conservation technology and actively involving local communities in preserving our natural heritage,” said Frederick.