KUCHING – The Southern Zone Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Expo officially commenced at Plaza Merdeka, marking a significant milestone in the state’s green economy agenda.
The opening ceremony, held on Friday afternoon, was officiated by the Director of Sarawak Forests, YBhg Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohammad, who underscored the department’s dedication to sustainable resource management and rural empowerment.
Running from 31 July until 9 August 2026, the ten-day exhibition serves as a vibrant marketplace and educational platform for forest-based enterprises. It has successfully gathered 80 participants ranging from local community groups to government agencies.
Notably, the event features international participation from SaraCarbon Sdn Bhd and the Environment and Forestry Department of West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. This cross-border involvement highlights the growing regional cooperation in marketing and developing sustainable forest products.
Datu Haji Hamden emphasised that non-timber forest products are pivotal drivers for both the green economy and rural community development.
By shifting focus away from timber extraction towards sustainable harvesting of resources like rattan, bamboo, medicinal plants, and wild honey, Sarawak is diversifying its economic base. This approach aligns with global trends favouring bio-economies and low-carbon development pathways.
The expo is strategically designed to support the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). A core aspiration of this strategy is strengthening natural resource sustainability while simultaneously improving community well-being.
By promoting value-added products derived from forests, the initiative aims to boost rural incomes and create resilient local economies that are less vulnerable to external shocks.
Furthermore, the event reflects the Sarawak Forest Department’s commitment to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). This philosophy seeks to balance biodiversity conservation with socio-economic needs.
Rather than viewing conservation and development as opposing forces, the department advocates for an integrated model where economic activities directly support forest preservation. When communities derive tangible benefits from standing forests, they become motivated stewards of these ecosystems.
Developing the NTFP value chain offers local communities opportunities to generate sustainable income streams. Beyond financial gains, it positions them as strategic partners in conservation efforts.
Their traditional knowledge and daily engagement with the forest make them indispensable allies in protecting Sarawak’s rich biological heritage. The expo provides a venue for these communities to showcase their products, connect with buyers, and learn about best practices in processing and marketing.
The inclusion of Indonesian counterparts from West Kalimantan adds a valuable dimension to the expo. Sharing borders and similar ecological challenges, Sarawak and West Kalimantan benefit greatly from exchanging knowledge and coordinating policies on transboundary forest management.
Joint initiatives in NTFP development can lead to harmonised standards, expanded markets, and stronger regional advocacy for sustainable forestry.
YBhg Datu Haji Hamden expressed profound appreciation to all stakeholders who made the event possible. He thanked participants, strategic partners, government agencies, private sector players, and community members for their collective effort.
Such collaboration is essential for translating policy visions into on-the-ground realities. The success of the expo demonstrates what can be achieved when diverse actors unite behind a common goal.
Visitors to Plaza Merdeka can expect a diverse array of exhibits showcasing the richness of Sarawak’s forest resources. From handcrafted items to innovative bio-products, the displays illustrate the potential of NTFPs to drive inclusive growth.
Educational booths also provide information on sustainable harvesting techniques, certification schemes, and market access opportunities.
The expo’s theme, “Support local hands, sustain natural lands,” encapsulates its dual mission. It calls upon consumers and businesses to choose locally produced, sustainably sourced goods.
Every purchase supports a rural livelihood and reinforces the economic case for keeping forests intact. This message resonates strongly in an era where ethical consumption is increasingly valued.
As the event continues over the next week, organisers hope to foster new business linkages and inspire further innovation in the NTFP sector.
Workshops and networking sessions scheduled throughout the expo aim to build capacity among producers and facilitate knowledge transfer. These activities are crucial for moving beyond subsistence-level production towards commercially viable enterprises.
The Southern Zone NTFP Expo stands as a testament to Sarawak’s proactive approach to sustainable development. By leveraging its natural assets responsibly, the state is charting a path towards prosperity that respects ecological limits.
The integration of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship offers a compelling model for other regions to emulate.
Ultimately, the expo is more than a trade fair; it is a celebration of resilience and ingenuity. It honours the people who live closest to the forest and recognises their vital role in safeguarding the planet’s lungs.
Through continued support and collaboration, Sarawak’s NTFP sector can flourish, benefiting current and future generations alike.
