Timber organization’s backing ‘one step’ toward ‘peace park’ in Borneo
In December 2020, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) endorsed a proposal by the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for what’s come to be known as the Baram Peace Park, covering 2,835 square kilometers (1,095 square miles) on the island of Borneo.
Proponents of the park say it will protect wildlife, forest-dependent livelihoods, and the last remaining primary forest in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
But they also acknowledge that the ITTO’s announcement is only a step toward the park’s designation, and industrial logging continues to threaten the region’s forests.
Sarawak plywood exports up thestar.com.my - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thestar.com.my Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Baram Peace Park secures crucial international timber funding
Published
Modified16 Dec 2020, 8:38 am
A
-
The International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) has endorsed the government s proposal to protect and conserve a significant area in the upper Baram forest area, also known as the Baram Peace Park.
During its 56th session in November, the International Tropical Timber Council officially approved the proposal that was formally submitted by the government, resulting in the ITTO committing to raise US$814,128 to the project’s budget to match a US$1,202,325 contribution by the government making it a total of US$2,016,453 (RM8.17 million).
All Access Plan
Mountain
Batu Siman within the park
The
International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) has
endorsed the proposal for the Upper Baram Forest Area, also
known as the Baram Peace Park. The proposal has the dual
goals of forest conservation and sustainable development and
was developed by the Sarawak Forest Department with inputs
from local communities and civil society. During their 56th
session in November, the International Tropical Timber
Council officially approved the proposal that was formally
submitted by the Malaysian
government.
Peter Kallang, chairman of
Indigenous organisation SAVE Rivers, stressed the importance
of the ITTO’s endorsement: “The communities welcome the