These include eco-tourism, mangrove and fisheries, carbon transaction, herbal medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, he said. The forest is more than just a source of timber. We can generate more economic opportunities, particularly based on sustainability, by protecting and conserving our forests, he said when launching the state-level International Forest Day at the State Forestry Department Headquarters in Sandakan on Thursday (April 8). New income sources from forests need to be explored and maximised through R&D activities, Hajiji said, adding that R&D support was crucial for sustainable forest management and ecosystem conservation.
He said the state government s stand on sustainability and conservation was reflected in the five-year Halatuju Sabah Maju Jaya plan that was launched recently.