NREB, STA to launch pilot projects for Environmental Compliance Audit

KUCHING: Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak in collaboration with Sarawak Timber Association (STA) will launch pilot projects for Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) in the forest sector.

The launch will be held tomorrow at Kuching Hilton Hotel.

The pilot projects are intended to prepare the industries for full implementation of the Natural Resources (Audit) Rules 2008, a rule made under Section 18 (q) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 1993.

Apart from enhancing environmental stewardship, the ultimate objective of this audit is self-regulation in the corporate sector in Sarawak.

“The implementation of the pilot projects for Environmental Compliance Audit will mark the milestone towards environmental sustainability in Sarawak while the implementation of NRE (Audit) Rules 2008 is the way forward for the forestry and timber industry in advocating the principles of sustainable development for the benefit of the present and future generations,” an NREB press statement said.

STA and eight local timber companies will be signing a memorandum of understanding with NREB for strategic collaboration for the conduct of the pilot projects, in conjunction with the launch ceremony.

A total of 300 people will be attending it, and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan will witness the signing ceremony.

A one-day seminar entitled ‘Seminar on environmental management in the forest sector’ for 130 participants will also be held in conjunction with the launch of the pilot projects.

The theme ‘Towards Environmental Sustainability” was chosen to reflect the importance of sustainable development in the forest sector.

Speakers from NREB, Department of Environment and Department of Occupational Safety and Health will be presenting their papers at the seminar.