KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is determined to promote agroforestry to improve ecosystem  services, foster climate resilience, support rural livelihoods and ensure food security,  said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

"In Sabah, we have seen remarkable success stories. Agroforestry models have  improved soil health, increased crop yields, and provided economic benefits for local  communities. The Sabah Forestry Department has done much in this effort," he said. 

He said in demonstrating its commitment to biodiversity and sustainability, the State  Government had set up the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC), which had since been  elevated to a distinct entity under the Chief Minister's Department through the  amendment of the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment.  

"This structural reinforcement underscores the state's commitment to biodiversity and  sustainability, and we are proud to have the Centre as one of our key partners in this  conference," he said at the International Conference on Biodiversity, Agroforestry, Non Wood Forest Products, and Sustainable Livelihoods (ICBANS) 2024 at the Hilton Hotel,  here today. 

His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin  Madingkir. 

Hajiji said since its inception 16 years ago, the SaBC has come a long way in  successfully managing Sabah's biological resources.  

The Centre has made headways in creating its role as a strategic partner to enhance  efforts in biodiversity management, and along with the Sabah Biodiversity Council  (SBC), the Centre became a critical framework for the management, conservation,  protection, and legal oversight of Sabah's biological resources, he said. 

"The urgency of our work has never been more critical. The world faces unprecedented  challenges in biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental degradation.  

"However, this conference reminds us that we also have unprecedented opportunities  to make a meaningful difference. Through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing, we can work together to safeguard our planet's biodiversity and ensure that the  livelihoods of millions are supported in sustainable and equitable ways," he said. 

Having a unique position as a biodiversity hotspot, he said Sabah recognised the  urgency of preserving its natural heritage.  

"Our state is home to iconic species like the orangutan, proboscis monkey, and pygmy  elephant. Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an incredible array  of flora and fauna. We take pride in protecting these treasures for future generations,"  he said. 

The Chief Minister commended SaBC for bringing this significant conference to fruition  here through partnership with like-minded organisations such as the V Sivaram  Research Foundation (VSRF), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central  Agroforestry Research Institute (ICAR-CAFRI) and the Society for Conservation and  Resource Development of Medicinal Plant. 

"As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you all to engage in open dialogue,  share your insights, and form partnerships that will help us move from ideas to actions.  Let this conference be a turning point where we take collective responsibility for our  planet's future and pave the way for a more sustainable, harmonious world," he said. 

Ends