The Sabah Society had the honour of attending the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025 on 29 July 2025, where forestry experts, policymakers, and advocates convened to share ideas on carbon credit schemes, climate resilience, and sustainable forest practices in the region.
Sabah’s forests are among our greatest treasures. Not only do they serve as the “green lungs” of Borneo, they are also lifelines for local communities, supporting livelihoods, culture, and biodiversity. At the summit, many discussions centred on how sustainable forestry models can be integrated in ways that protect ecosystems and uplift communities.
One recurring theme was how to balance economic value and environmental stewardship. Speakers explored models such as Industrial Tree Plantations (ITP), carbon financing, and ecosystem service payments – all strategies that could help relieve pressure on natural forests while providing new pathways for revenue. For example, one panel highlighted that if carbon credits yield only modest returns per hectare, complementary systems like well-managed tree plantations might offer stronger economic viability.
Another crucial thread: inclusivity. Forest conservation and sustainable development efforts must centre local communities. Whether in plantation projects or forest management planning, the voices and rights of indigenous and rural populations were emphasised as integral, not optional.
Sabah is uniquely positioned to lead. From its legal frameworks to forestry policy instruments like the Timber Legality Assurance System (TLAS) and sustainable forest license systems, Sabah already has many foundations in place. Speakers noted that Sabah’s compliance with EU deforestation regulations (EUDR) is a strong signal of readiness in forest governance.
Attending the summit reinforced the Sabah Society’s conviction: safeguarding forests and supporting communities must go hand in hand. The insights and relationships formed here will inform future initiatives, collaborations, and advocacy that centre knowledge, equity, and sustainability.
We hope that the insights shared at this summit will help to promote practices that safeguard our forests for future generations while ensuring that local communities remain at the heart of these efforts.
The Sabah Society looks forward to continuing our journey of learning and contributing to dialogues that support the protection of our natural heritage.
Written by Chloe Lee Mei Tchuin
