Forest Director honoured with international sustainable award
KUCHING, 7 October 2026: The Director of Forests Sarawak, Datu Haji Hamden Haji Mohammad, was honoured with the Sustainable Forest Stewardship Award at the Green & Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) 2026.
The awards ceremony, held at UCSI Hotel last night, was graced by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The award recognises Hamden’s visionary leadership in advancing Sarawak’s forestry sector through sustainable forest management, digital innovation and conservation.
Among the key initiatives highlighted were his leadership in the Greening Sarawak Campaign, which supports large-scale tree planting and restoration for biodiversity and climate resilience, as well as his contribution towards the recognition of the Sarawak Delta Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark on 27 April 2026.
His leadership has also strengthened international collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation through partnerships with institutions and organisations in Japan, Finland, Sweden and China.
The Green & Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) is an international platform established in 2025 to recognise environmental leadership and sustainable geopark management. The event serves as a platform to encourage greater collaboration and participation among stakeholders in advancing sustainability and green initiatives in Sarawak.
Sarawak Delta’s recognition as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network gives the destination international significance, making Kuching a fitting venue for GAGA 2026.
