Dự án bảo tồn rừng Kuamut của Malaysia bắt đầu đợt phát hành tín chỉ carbon đầu tiên
Kuamut Forest Conservation Project, Malaysia
The Kuamut Forest Conservation Project in Malaysia officially issued its first batch of carbon credits in July. This is welcome news for businesses and participants in the carbon market, especially after a relatively quiet year. While some regions are facing challenges in carbon credit verification, the success of the Kuamut project stands out as particularly noteworthy. With fertile land resources and strong government support, Malaysia is establishing itself as one of the leading countries in this field.
Covering 84,000 hectares of forest, the Kuamut project is one of the largest and most valuable forest conservation initiatives in the region. Each carbon credit is priced between USD 9.75 and 10, significantly higher than the market average, even compared to projects traded on the Singapore Carbon Exchange (CNX), which often sets pricing benchmarks for Southeast Asia and Latin America. This reflects the project’s superior quality and impact, where forest protection not only delivers environmental benefits but also improves the livelihoods of local communities.
Project highlights:
- Scale: 83,381 hectares
- Emission reductions: Over 800,000 tCO₂e annually on average
- Community benefits: Supports 3,000 local community members from the Karamuak and Kuamu village clusters in Sabah, one of Malaysia’s two states on the island of Borneo
- Ecosystem type: Lowland and hill mixed Dipterocarp forest, protecting habitats for 29 mammal species and 12 bird species listed on the IUCN Red List
- Additionality: The project area was previously designated as production forest and had been logged multiple times, with plans for further commercial exploitation. The project has halted this and enabled forest regeneration
Why are Kuamut carbon credits highly valued?
Kuamut’s carbon credits command higher prices due to their significant co-benefits for communities and biodiversity. These benefits go beyond the standards set by reputable certification bodies such as Verra. In addition to carbon performance, the project is also highly rated for its operational capacity and logistics.
With Malaysia’s strong legal framework, the Kuamut project is comprehensively protected and supported, ensuring long-term sustainability. Effective management, transparency, and robust reporting further strengthen investor and partner confidence.
>>> SUSTAINABLE MALAYSIA: INVESTING IN A GREEN FUTURE
Strong regulatory framework and local support
The relatively high cost of the project is largely due to the unique land conditions in Sabah. Under commitments by the Sabah Forestry Department, at least 50% of land is allocated to sustainable activities such as forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and community development. Due to a long history of logging, ncluding in the Kuamut forest, transitioning to Improved Forest Management (IFM) requires significant investment for restoration and development. Unlike REDD+ projects that focus on protecting existing forests, IFM emphasizes reforestation of previously logged areas, requiring more advanced technology and resources.
Setting a new benchmark
Malaysia’s active engagement in the bioeconomy sector, exemplified by the Kuamut project, contributes significantly to building a sustainable future. The project not only delivers economic benefits but also reinforces Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable development principles. Kuamut has become a benchmark model, setting high standards for quality and transparency in future projects.
Looking ahead, the success of the Kuamut Forest Conservation Project serves as a beacon of hope for sustainable development. Its above-average carbon credit prices reflect not only strong environmental benefits but also meaningful impacts on local communities and biodiversity.
This is a call to action for all stakeholders: the future of our planet depends on collaborative efforts and meaningful investment in projects like Kuamut. Every action supporting such initiatives contributes to preserving valuable forests, combating climate change, and promoting socio-economic development in the region.
Source: Sulthana Dzakira
CARBON CREDIT TRADING PLATFORM ASEAN (CCTPA)
Address: Léman – 20 Truong Dinh, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: (+84) 28 6272 5889
Email: info@aseancarboncredit.com
