Sustainability > Environment > Biodiversity Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation
Protecting Biological Diversity is Crucial for the Health of the Planet
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Ecosystem Management
The Group’s timber and plantation operations span diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of flora and fauna. Recognising the critical importance of biodiversity, the Group strives to achieve a net positive biodiversity impact by integrating sustainable practices into daily operations, aiming to minimise ecological disruption and enhance the restoration and protection of natural habitats.
WTK’s Key Initiatives
WTK's key initiatives contributing to sustainable development through the responsible management of ecosystems:
High Conservation Value Areas
WTK has allocated 8,906 hectares of high conservation value forests for conservation in Kapit, Sarawak
Forest Management Units (FMUs)
WTK has 3 certified FMUs, including Mengiong-Gaat (T/3401), Entulu-Melatai (T/3476), and Pila-Mujong (T/0518).
Wildlife Management
All employees (including contractors) are prohibited from hunting in the FMU and plantation areas. Wildlife monitoring is performed.
Riparian Buffer Zone
WTK ensures no clearing or chemical spraying in riparian buffer zones to protect natural habitats of flora and fauna along waterways.
Peat Land Management
WTK installs water bunds to regulate water levels, minimise carbon emissions, and safeguard the peatland ecosystem.
Forest Fire Management
WTK enforces the Forest Fire Management Policy across timber operations to enhance fire prevention through ground patrols, watch towers, and water bodies identification.
Chemical Management
WTK adheres to using government-approved chemicals and follows standard operating procedures to minimise environmental impact.
Biodiversity Risk Assessment
The Group regularly monitors biodiversity risks across existing operations. Our Forest Management Units (FMUs) carried out internal and external environmental audits to ensure compliance with Environmental Impact Assessments and related biodiversity safeguards.
Annual forest monitoring in the timber segment assesses regeneration, habitat conditions, and species changes to inform adaptive, conservation-focused practices. Any biodiversity risks identified are promptly addressed to minimise environmental impact and support sustainable forest management.
Screening of Proposed Sites
– evaluating proximity to protected areas, sensitive habitats and water bodies
Baseline Studies
– documenting existing ecological conditions, including flora, fauna and ecosystem services
Risk Evaluation
– analysing potential impacts such as habitat loss, fragmentation or disruption to species
Mitigation Measures
– incorporating biodiversity protection measures into project design where necessary
Integrating Biodiversity Risk into New Operations
Before undertaking any new operations or projects, the company conducts due diligence assessments to identify potential biodiversity risks.
This process ensures that biodiversity considerations are integrated into project planning and decision-making, helping us minimise environmental impacts and align with sustainability best practices.
Biodiversity Restoration Efforts
Reforestation for Positive Environmental Impacts
To enhance ecological resilience, the Group aims to achieve a net positive biodiversity impact through ongoing restoration initiatives. These include reforestation efforts to rehabilitate degraded land within operational areas and compensate for unavoidable environmental impacts.
Tree Planting Milestone
In FY2025, a total of 25,985 trees were planted across Sarawak under the Group’s restoration programmes—reinforcing our role in preserving and enhancing biodiversity across key landscapes.
Our Target
We are taking concrete steps to protect ecosystems, with a goal to complete the replanting programme at Durafarm Sdn. Bhd. by FY2025. Additionally, HCV areas in the plantation segment will be managed in consultation with biodiversity experts, with full action plans in place by 2026.
Safeguarding biodiversity requires collective action and strong partnerships. At WTK, we actively engage with stakeholders to reduce biodiversity loss through meaningful initiatives and collaborations.
Engagement on Biodiversity Preservation
Governments and Regulators
- Interglobal Empire Sdn. Bhd, partnered with the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak and Sarawak Timber Association (STA).
- Launched Pilot Projects to prepare the forestry sector for the full implementation of the Environmental Compliance Audit.
Research
Institutions
- Supported the Baleh Mini Scientific Expedition (“Lost World of Baleh”).
- Organised by UNIMAS at Ulu Baleh, Kapit.
- Explored biodiversity and raised awareness on conservation.
Industry
Associations
- Member of the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (SOPPOA).
- Engage in dialogues to promote sustainable forestry, palm oil practices and responsible land use.
“The Lost of Baleh: A Mini Scientific Expedition (HIGHLIGHTS)”
Source: TV UNIMAS
Bring Back the Rainforest Project
WTK supports the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s initiative at Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR), Miri, to restore degraded forests and protect wildlife, as one of the corporate adopters with 20 plots adopted for life.
Greening Sarawak Campaign
WTK proudly supports Le Tour De Restoration 2.0, a flagship forest restoration campaign led by the Sarawak Forest Department. During the programme, WTK contributed to the Sarawak Greening Programme through the presentation of support cheques, reinforcing our shared goal of restoring biodiversity and enhancing green landscapes across the state. This initiative also complements the National 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign (2021–2025), furthering collective efforts to safeguard nature for future generations.
Bring Back the Rainforest Project
WTK supports the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s initiative at Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR), Miri, to restore degraded forests and protect wildlife, as one of the corporate adopters with 20 plots adopted for life.
Greening Sarawak Campaign
WTK proudly supports Le Tour De Restoration 2.0, a flagship forest restoration campaign led by the Sarawak Forest Department. During the programme, WTK contributed to the Sarawak Greening Programme through the presentation of support cheques, reinforcing our shared goal of restoring biodiversity and enhancing green landscapes across the state. This initiative also complements the National 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign (2021–2025), furthering collective efforts to safeguard nature for future generations.
Wildlife Video Gallery
The Group works to conserve Endangered, Rare, and Threatened (ERT) species. Automatic cameras are strategically placed across WTK’s FMUs to monitor wildlife. Below are some of the species captured in our FMUs:
Short Tailed Macaque
Musang
Deer
Click for more information:
Sustainable Pest Control and Natural Pollination
Utilising Beneficial Plants to Support Natural Predators
Turnera subulata becomes a food source and host plant for Sycanus, predators of leaf-feeding worms, helping to suppress pest attacks
Natural Weevil Pollination
The oil palm pollinating weevil, Elaeidobius kamerunicus, is a beneficial insect that enhances pollination in oil palm plantations, improving fruit formation
Certified Sustainable Production
Sustainability certification strengthens our efforts to protect biodiversity, safeguard ecosystems and promote responsible land use across our operations.
Our Performance in FY2024
Note:
FFB means fresh fruit bunches
CPO means crude palm oil
PK means palm kernel
PEFC means Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
STLVS means Sarawak Timber Legality Verification System
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