ABOVE PIC: Environmental wellbeing leads to social and economic growth. © Zora Chan / WWF-Malaysia
Kuching, 30 Nov : WWF-Malaysia has urged all political parties and their candidates contesting in the 12th Sarawak State Election on 18 December 2021 to include environmental commitments in their manifestos, and highlight what they aim to achieve within 100 days to a year after forming the new government.
According to the NGO, these commitments are important as environmental well-being leads to social and economic growth.
In a recent open letter to all political parties in Sarawak, WWF-Malaysia Conservation Director Dr Henry Chan asked future lawmakers to be fully committed in ensuring a healthy nature and resilient environment for the people in the State.
He said it is important for parties to inform voters of their aspirations and plans for sustainable development.
“This will allow voters to make informed decisions about electing a representative who champions the environment and equality among all levels of society,” he said.
“As Sarawak enters the post COVID-19 pandemic recovery era, it is important to remind ourselves, our government leaders as well as lawmakers, who chart the future direction of the State, to avert natural catastrophes caused by human follies and recognise the rich natural capital values that the State already have, in charting its way forward.”
Dr Chan added, sound policies and plans should be implemented effectively based on environmental sustainability, as provided for in Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
Good existing policies and action plans aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) should be continued and strengthened even further by adopting a Green Recovery Plan.
The SDGs were designed in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by the year 2030.
“This will intensify activities that support the conservation and sustainable management of all remaining forests in Sarawak in recognition of their ecosystem services to humans and wildlife, and for economic well-being,” said Dr Chan.
It will also propel the development of a green innovative workforce and investments that support climate-resilient and low-carbon economies as well as intensify efforts towards zero loss of wildlife and biodiversity caused by poaching and illegal trading.
According to Dr Chan, youth and non-state actors, as equal partners in forming a democratic State, are important drivers in advancing the SDGs, in addition to the post COVID-19 plans.
“We call upon future lawmakers to give assurances and provide them (youth and NGOs) with equal opportunities to participate in nation-building exercises and have their voices heard, as well as avenues for them to promote their involvement in championing environmental sustainability,” he further said.
Access to information as well as proper channels should be provided to enable non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like WWF-Malaysia to connect with resource persons and decision-makers to collectively build a greener and sustainable Sarawak.
WWF-Malaysia is a non-partisan environmental NGO that has been operating in the country since 1972, with dedicated teams present in Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia to advance the conservation agenda for the country. – TVS
