KOTA KINABALU, Nov 11 — Sabah is expected to record a low forest revenue this year of RM120 million, said State Forestry Department Director, Datuk Sam Mannan.

Sam said the forest revenue, which will be lowest since 1973, would continue to fall to about RM50 million per annum for the next 20 years before rising again.

“This is not because Sabah is losing revenue. Rather, the state is bringing down timber harvesting to sustainable levels to ensure plentiful green capital for the future.

“Huge sacrifices have been made in Sabah, in the interest of long-term conservation and an endowment for future generations,” he said at the launch of the International Conference of the Heart of Borneo’s Natural Capital here today.

Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, officiated the two-day conference, which attracted some 1,000 participants.

He said environmentalists should not be prejudicial against the oil palm industry as it was financing many of the conservation efforts in Sabah.

“Engage with the industry. Whether we like it or not, oil palm is here to stay. A negative reaction against oil palm will only do more harm than good,” he said.

Sam said the Forestry Department was willing to try new and old ideas to assess the potentials of some forest areas in Sabah for sustainable growth.

“We are willing to try anything at least once — biodiversity credits, carbon sequestration, tourism licences, geo-thermal energy and certified timber. — Bernama