KOTA KINABALU: Local authorities must focus on including green initiatives in their districts, says Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said the role of local authorities in each district is also to create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements.
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Dr Gunsalam said that the planning in each district should be based on a green infrastructure approach to reduce the effect of heat islands and reduce the risk of disasters related to fires, droughts, and floods.
He said this at the launch of his ministry's "I-HIJAU Festival Programme - GREEN Initiative, Aspiration Sabah Maju Jaya 2023 here Saturday (July 15).
"Efforts to give exposure to the role in sustainable development towards a green and habitable environment should continue including government agencies, private sector, educational institutions and the public," said Gunsalam.
He added that it is important for such green developments already outlined to be implemented and should not end "only verbally and on paper without any action by all of us."
Dr Gunsalam said that there is a government policy for a minimum of 10% open space in a development to create a conducive environment.
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The state Local Government and Housing Minister added that there should be the implementation of the Green Building Index (GBI) in building design according to the concept of sustainability where energy, water, and materials are used efficiently
Dr Gunsalam said efforts to deal with climate change need to be implemented in an integrated and balanced manner and it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure long-term sustainability.
He said that the key to solving the climate crisis lies in reducing emissions and transforming society to maintain environmental sustainability.
"We need to have a high level of responsibility and awareness in dealing with, reducing and preventing the significant negative impact of climate change," he said.
Dr Gunsalam said the importance of climate analysis in design is not only limited to one area.
"We need to look at it from a more comprehensive aspect, for example Smart City design that is integrated with pedestrian and cycling network systems, road and transport systems with a green concept,” he said.
"Among the green concepts that are meant are sustainable digitalisation and green components in the use of solar lighting systems, rainwater harvesting systems, permeable paving materials, the use of 5R's which are Refuse, Reduce, Recycle, Reuse & Recovery,” he added.
Dr Gunsalam said that green financing and investment for sustainable and climate-friendly development projects, including through public and private collaboration, is very necessary for the creation of a liveable society,” he added.
At the event, municipal council presidents and district officers under the Local Government and Housing Ministry signed an I-HIJAU declaration as commitment and support for efforts towards the sustainability of this environment.