Sarawak launches first-of-its-kind Biodiversity Masterplan following years of groundwork

April 22, 2025

A group of seven individuals in traditional attire gathers on stage, smiling and interacting.

KUCHING, 22 April 2025 – In a major milestone for conservation and sustainable development, Sarawak today launched the Sarawak Biodiversity Master Plan, a first-of-its kind framework for Malaysia. Led by Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak (MUDeNR) with technical input by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) upon consultation with relevant stakeholders, the masterplan builds on years of groundwork between partners.

The priming document was conceived to mainstream biodiversity and associated ecosystems services into Sarawak’s development planning, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.

The launch ceremony, themed “Vision with Action for Biodiversity”, was officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and attended by representatives from the Sarawak government, civil society, research institutions, indigenous communities, and development partners. The launch took place in conjunction with Earth Day today to commemorate Sarawak’s ongoing progress and commitments in conserving Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.

A group of people stands in a colorful, nature-themed hallway with greenery on the walls. — The Sarawak Master Biodiversity Plan is attended by representatives from the Sarawak government, civil society, research institutions, indigenous communities, and development partners to mark Earth Day 2025.

“The policy and master plan launched tonight reflects these principles. However, policies alone are not enough. The success of their implementation depends on close collaboration from various parties, including the development sector, economic actors and all stakeholders,” Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development permanent secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi highlighted.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam Resident Representative Edward Vrkić commended the Government of Sarawak for its leadership in pursuing the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to achieve balanced, sustainable and greener economic growth. “Today’s achievement exemplifies our successful strategic partnership, and we look forward to similar successes in the two other initiatives on which Government is partnering with UNDP namely the Sarawak Urban Development Policy and the Sarawak Blue Economy Policy,” he said.

The Biodiversity Masterplan details six key thematic areas to mainstream biodiversity considerations into the state planning: economic planning and economic approach; sustainable financing for biodiversity and biodiversity mainstreaming; effective communication and information on biodiversity; sectoral policy and legal reform; institutional collaboration on biodiversity-related matters; and biodiversity mainstreaming tools.

Two brochures displayed among green foliage, one featuring a bird and titled "Sarawak Biodiversity Master Plan." — The Biodiversity Masterplan details six key thematic areas to mainstream biodiversity.

TV Sarawak

Moving forward, effective implementation will be key. This includes coordination across ministries and agencies, private sector engagement, community participation, and measurable indicators to track progress. If successful, Sarawak’s strategy could become a model for other states in Malaysia, and for countries seeking practical ways to align development with biodiversity protection.