KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s forest restoration in oil palm estates and riparian reserves at Sandakan Bay are set to get a boost through funding of over RM2mil from the Sime Darby Foundation.

       The areas that will benefit from the funding are Ladang Sentosa, Tunku estate, Tun Tan Siew Sin estate, Tigowis estate and those set aside for conservation in Sandakan Bay.

       Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin said the fully funded project would also see an increase in carbon absorption and ecosystem services implemented over a three-year period beginning this year.

       He said with these initiatives, estate workers too will benefit from improved water quality through restored water catchment areas.

       “Apart from that, the funding will also help local researchers develop their skills and contribute their knowledge to the state.

       “This project, which is undertaken by the Forestry and Tropical Faculty, gives opportunities to students, graduates and postgraduates to learn more about matters in this field.

       “It would also help provide better ecosystem services to the downstream communities, strengthen riparian reserves, increase carbon stocks and biodiversity with the CSA for Sime Darby Plantations Berhad,” he said at the launching of the project here yesterday.

       His speech was delivered by deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Ramzah Dambul.

       Dr Taufiq added that UMS hopes to create a guideline for the long-term monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

       “This effort is in line with the state government’s Sabah Maju Jaya initiative which among others, focuses on environmental sustainability,” he said.

       Meanwhile, Sime Darby Foundation CEO Dr Yatela Zainal Abidin said the collaboration between UMS and Sime Darby Plantations would contribute immensely to forest restoration.

       “The collaboration with UMS is the best platform for Sime Darby to carry out its commitment to conserve and restore forests and natural landscapes on a larger scale.

       “It helps both parties find the best and most cost-effective methods to plant trees in estates and riparian reserves to increase the value of biodiversity in oil palm estates.

       “It would also increase the community and local researchers’ knowledge on these matters,” she said, adding that such collaborations would continue in Sabah as the state was among the most cooperative and eager to work with the foundation on such matters.

       Previously, UMS and Sime Darby had worked together to restore a 267ha portion of the Ladang Sapong forest in Tenom district.