KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government continues to strengthen biodiversity governance, the bioeconomy agenda and biotechnology through the implementation of the Sabah Biotechnology Action Blueprint 2024–2034, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said.
“This action plan serves as the State’s strategic framework for harnessing Sabah’s rich biodiversity responsibly and through science-based approaches to generate greater economic value, strengthen research and innovation and develop a sustainable biotechnology industry.
“Through the implementation of this action plan, Sabah aims to link biodiversity conservation with socio-economic development while ensuring that biological resources and traditional knowledge are utilised sustainably and that the benefits are shared fairly and equitably among the people of the State,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said biodiversity governance continues to be enhanced through various initiatives, including the digitalisation of management systems and the protection of traditional knowledge.
“This is to ensure that these invaluable resources continue to be preserved and utilised sustainably for present and future generations,” he said at the 2026 Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Awards ceremony in conjunction with the State-level World Biodiversity Day celebration at the Hilton Hotel here on Monday night.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Works and Utilities, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The theme of this year’s World Biodiversity Day, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” aptly reflects Sabah’s journey in demonstrating that actions taken at the local level can generate significant international impact.
“Sabah is not only a state rich in biodiversity but is also among the regions playing a vital role in contributing towards the global biodiversity conservation agenda,” he said.
As proof of this commitment, Sabah has further expanded its Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) through the gazettement of approximately 216,000 hectares of new protected areas comprising commercial forest reserves and State land.
He said this would increase the State’s total TPA coverage to 2.227 million hectares, representing 30.06 per cent of Sabah’s total land area, thereby contributing towards Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to ensure that at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, inland water, marine and coastal areas are effectively conserved and managed by 2030.
The Chief Minister said Sabah continues to be a premier destination for biodiversity research.
“The DaMaI (Danum-Maliau-Imbak) Forest, comprising the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Maliau Basin Conservation Area and Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, is a world-class biodiversity research hub that attracts both local and international researchers.
“The increasing number of applications for the State Biological Resources Access Licence under the Sabah Biodiversity Enactment 2000 also demonstrates Sabah’s recognition as a leading centre for biodiversity research in the region.
“Numerous important discoveries through research, including the identification of new species and innovations, documentation of critical habitats and the development of conservation approaches, are the result of research conducted in Sabah,” he said.
Another historic milestone in Sabah’s biodiversity research was achieved through the signing of the first Benefit Sharing Agreement between the Sabah Government and Botanickel Sabah Sdn Bhd in September 2025, he said.
“This project focuses on environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources through innovative phytoextraction technology, involving the use of Sabah’s hyperaccumulator plants to extract nickel from the soil.
“It is expected to generate positive impacts for local communities through employment opportunities, economic activities, long-term agricultural contracts and ecotourism integration, while also sending a strong signal to researchers, investors and international industries to explore the vast potential of Sabah’s bioeconomy,” he said.
Meanwhile, in line with the State Government’s commitment to strengthening the culture of research and innovation, Hajiji said the Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Awards had been introduced.
The awards serve as a platform to recognise local and international researchers who have made outstanding contributions to advancing scientific knowledge on Sabah’s biodiversity, he said.
“I hope these awards will continue to serve as a catalyst for more high-quality research that will elevate Sabah’s standing on the global stage while contributing to the ongoing conservation, protection and sustainable use of biodiversity at the local, national and global levels,” said the Chief Minister.-pr/BNN
