KUCHING: Sarawak addresses sustainable agriculture development through emphasising the integration of indigenous knowledge, scientific research, and policy innovation.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni said that this integrated approach redefines sustainable agriculture through the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030.

“The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 emphasises the need for inclusive policies that explicitly recognize and promote Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK), ensuring it is not marginalised in favour of industrialised methods.

“Additionally, active involvement of indigenous communities in decision-making processes is a core principle. This respects their intellectual property rights and ensures that agricultural development projects are contextually appropriate and meet local needs.

“This also includes the preservation of heritage through documenting and valuing traditional practices in resource management, seed storage, and land conservation supports cultural heritage preservation, highlighting the deep connection between communities and their environment,” he said.

He said this at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 30 held in Belem, Brazil during a panel session titled ‘Science Panel for Borneo: Safeguarding Borneo’s Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future’ recently.

Datuk Dr. Hazland further noted that combining ITK's understanding of local ecosystems with advanced technologies, such as GIS for precision agriculture, IoT devices, AI, and drones creates more resilient farming systems capable of adapting to climate change and enhancing food security.

“Collectively, these measures represent a holistic transformation of Sarawak’s agricultural landscape anchored in sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience,” he stressed.

By following the pathways laid out in the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, Sarawak aims to lead Borneo’s shift toward regenerative and climate-smart agriculture that secures livelihoods, strengthens food systems, and safeguards natural ecosystems for future generations. -UKASnews