By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and Sawit Kinabalu Group have joined forces to establish a Forest Seed Garden (FSG) at the Sg. Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) in Kinabatangan, marking a significant step toward sustainable forestry and biodiversity conservation.
A Letter of Intent was formally exchanged during a ceremony at the Forestry Headquarters in Sandakan on Monday, solidifying the collaboration. The initiative will focus on developing an agroforestry model integrating timber plantation trees, with research-driven approaches to optimize growth and sustainability.
Sabah Forestry Department was represented by its Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan while Sawit Kinabalu Group was represented by its Managing Director, Datuk Victor Ationg.
The first phase of the project will involve comprehensive research to assess cost efficiency, fertilizer treatments, mulching techniques, and other methods to enhance timber growth. Findings from the study are expected to provide critical insights into the feasibility of agroforestry systems for timber production in Sabah.
The Forest Research Centre’s Forest Plantation Programme (SFD) and Sawit Kinabalu’s Conservation and Biodiversity Unit will spearhead the research efforts.
Initial groundwork has already begun, with six experimental plots established. Later this year, both parties will convene an in-house workshop to review progress and strategize for the project’s next phase in 2026.
The collaboration aims to create a scalable agroforestry model that balances ecological preservation with economic viability. If successful, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to adopt sustainable forestry practices.
