At a glance
- Company
- Yayasan PETRONAS
- Announcement
- Partnership
- Location
- Tenom
Key figures
- Forest targeted for restoration
- 185 hectares
- Households involved
- 202 households
- Residents represented
- 948 residents
- Tree-planting effort
- one million trees
People
- Indra Purwandita H.Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department
- Puan Hajah Shariah Nelly FrancisCEO of Yayasan PETRONAS
Products and programs
TENOM, October 4, 2024 -- Yayasan PETRONAS, the social impact arm of PETRONAS, and the Sabah Forestry Department have launched the Kungkular Forest Reserve Restoration Program. This initiative aims to restore 185 hectares of degraded forest in Tenom, and includes agro-forestry activities with the involvement of nearby local communities.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department, Indra Purwandita H., and witnessed by the CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS, Puan Hajah Shariah Nelly Francis. This strategic partnership was formalized at the Heart of Borneo International Conference 2023 in Kota Kinabalu. It is also part of Yayasan PETRONAS’s initiative to plant one million trees a forest restoration effort focusing on building community resilience.
Shariah Nelly stated that today’s launch is a long-term initiative aimed at building community resilience to climate change challenges while conserving the environment through Nature-based Solutions.
This initiative involves tree planting activities carried out with the local communities from Kampung Kungkular, Kampung Nanturaan, Kampung Lohot, and Kampung Sosopon. It includes knowledge and skills sharing, site preparation and nurseries, tree planting, maintenance, and sustainability planning.
“The nearby local communities, consisting 202 households (948 residents), will also be empowered through agroforestry activities such as integrated farming. Their knowledge and skills will be enhanced with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), including the importance of protecting local ecological systems for food and water security. These activities also involve partners from relevant agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Department of Fisheries to ensure continuous guidance and support towards realizing Yayasan PETRONAS’ commitment to environmental sustainability under the Planting Tomorrow initiative.
“Community involvement in nature-based initiatives helps build a shared sense of responsibility in caring for the environment. This not only encourages cooperation in protection efforts but also raises awareness on the importance of preserving the ecosystem for the common good,” she added.
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Questions around this news
What does the Kungkular Forest Reserve restoration program involve?
The program aims to restore 185 hectares of degraded forest in Tenom. Its activities include preparing sites and nurseries, planting and maintaining trees, sharing knowledge and skills, and planning for long-term sustainability. The release says nearby communities are involved in the work, alongside relevant government agencies.
Which communities are involved, and how many residents are covered?
The release names Kampung Kungkular, Kampung Nanturaan, Kampung Lohot, and Kampung Sosopon as participating communities. It says the nearby communities comprise 202 households and 948 residents. The activities include tree planting and agroforestry, with support and guidance from agencies including the departments responsible for agriculture, veterinary services, and fisheries.
What is agroforestry?
Agroforestry combines trees with farming or livestock activities on the same land. Depending on local conditions, trees may provide shade, protect soil, or supply food and other useful products, while crops or animals are raised alongside them. Its design can vary, and it is generally adapted to the landscape and needs of the people using the land.
What are Nature-based Solutions?
Nature-based Solutions are actions that protect, manage, or restore natural systems to address environmental and societal challenges. Examples can include restoring forests or wetlands to support biodiversity, reduce erosion, or help communities adapt to climate impacts. The specific benefits depend on the ecosystem and how the work is planned and maintained.
Earlier from Yayasan PETRONAS
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- Yayasan PETRONAS and Sabah Biodiversity Centre Ink MoU for Seagrass Mapping and Community-Based Programme
- Yayasan PETRONAS Releases 2023 Annual Report with a Focus on Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives
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