By Keruan, Save Rivers, Bruno Manser Fonds and The Borneo Project
New satellite imagery shows major logging road expansion in the northwestern area of the Upper Baram forest area, a conservation project in northern Sarawak supported by local communities, civil society, the Sarawak government and the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO).
Contrary to recent claims by the Sarawak Forestry Department, satellite analysis of the last three months indicates that a network of logging roads is rapidly developing close to the Penan community of Ba Data Bila, near the core protection zone of the Upper Baram forest area.
In July, the state’s Forestry Department director, Hamden Mohamad, told the Borneo Post that concerns about a massive logging operation in the area were “baseless” and argued that “the people there welcomed the new company with open arms” to provide roads and housing materials.
A written agreement shows that the village head and his family have received financial compensation from the logging company that now holds the forest concession.
However, an ongoing petition from Ba Data Bila residents and nearby communities opposing this logging operation has so far amassed more than 500 signatures.
Komeok Joe, CEO of Penan empowerment organisation Keruan, said, “We NGOs have brought development such as water pipes, roofing, bridges, education and health services to communities.
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“But we insist that people get development without having to sell off their forest and their heritage. People want a road, but shouldn’t need to see their forest destroyed in return.
“It is the government’s duty to provide basic infrastructure, not the company’s.”
Keruan and Save Rivers have requested a meeting with the Sarawak premier for a delegation from the affected communities to submit a petition at the upcoming Forest Landscape Restoration conference being held by the state forestry department and ITTO in Kuching next week.
The community representatives of the Upper Baram forest area continue to express concern and confusion about how logging could be allowed in this important conservation zone.
“We have been asking [the Sarawak Forestry Department] for accountability and an open conversation, but we have not heard back,” said Celine Lim, managing director of indigenous rights organisation Save Rivers.
Previously, another company held a logging concession in the area, which was strongly opposed by communities, but the licence expired in 2023.
The current company, linked to a Malaysian logging tycoon, is the new holder of the concession. Although all logging concessions must be certified under “sustainable forest management” in Sarawak from 2022, this new concession has apparently yet to receive certification.
Lukas Straumann, the executive director of Bruno Manser Fonds, stated: “The area contains some of Sarawak’s last primary forests. The Sarawak government has the responsibility to save this global biodiversity hotspot from destruction.” – Keruan/Save Rivers/Bruno Manser Fonds/Borneo Project
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