KOTA KINABALU: There is more to the Sustainable Greening Initiative, Aspirations of the Most Beautiful State Garden Programme (I.P.L.A.N.T.) than just tree planting.
It is about fostering awareness and shared responsibility for environmental conservation.
“Through this initiative, we are not just planting trees but also cultivating a sense of duty to safeguard our environment,” Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih explained when launching the programme in Beaufort on Friday (Jan 17).
He highlighted that I.P.L.A.N.T. aligned with the fifth pillar of the Sabah State Landscape Policy, which promotes a deep-rooted love for nature while supporting sustainable development goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2021-2025.
During the latest event, 150 trees were planted, adding to the programme’s success, which has already seen 326,845 trees planted across Sabah.
This contributes to the goal of planting 1.3 million trees by 2033.
The Klias Peat Swamp Forest, covering 3,630 hectares, remains a critical site for wetland conservation, providing essential habitats for endangered species such as the Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey.
Isnin reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to environmental sustainability and praised the Sabah Forestry Department for its support.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, local authorities, and communities.
“Since its launch in 2020, I.P.L.A.N.T. has successfully engaged 26 local authorities across Sabah,” he said, adding that similar initiatives have taken place at Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve in Tuaran and Kudat Forest Reserve, involving educational institutions and local communities.
He urged all stakeholders to continue supporting such efforts to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
“This programme is expected to be a catalyst in maintaining Sabah’s title as the Most Beautiful Garden State while reinforcing its role in global environmental conservation,” he added.
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