Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Forestry Department Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said the preservation of Sabah’s prized forests requires a balanced and inclusive approach that addresses the State’s development requirements and capitalises on new sustainable opportunities.

“This is a complex but essential endeavour for the State’s future,” he said at the Sabah Sustainability Accelerator’s panel session entitled Sabah Sustainability Aspiration held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, recently.

Speaking in length about Sabah’s multifaceted strategy which balances economic development with environmental protection, he said Sabah had implemented a comprehensive approach to the conservation of its extensive and invaluable forest resources. 

“Recognising that forests are not merely a source of timber, but also provide a diverse range of ecosystem services that support a variety of businesses, including agriculture, recreation, renewable energy and water resources, is the foundation of Sabah’s conservation efforts,” he said.