STB achieves 10,000-tree milestone ahead of RWMF’s 30th anniversary
- BT
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SARIKEI, 5 August 2026: Ahead of the Rainforest World Music Festival’s (RWMF) 30th anniversary in 2027, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by completing its 10,000-tree commitment under the EcoGreen Planet initiative. The commitment was fulfilled through the planting of approximately 3,800 mangrove seedlings at Rajang Mangrove National Park in partnership with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). The latest effort follows previous planting activities at Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023, Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in 2024 and Piasau Nature Reserve in 2025.
EcoGreen Planet forms part of the five-year collaboration formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between STB and SFC in 2023. The initiative was established to support the greening and carbon-offset commitments of STB’s flagship events, namely the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz Festival.
The achievement reflects STB’s continued commitment to ensuring that the legacy of RWMF extends beyond music and cultural celebration to create a lasting positive impact on Sarawak’s environment and communities. The 2026 restoration effort at Rajang Mangrove National Park was supported through a portion of RWMF ticket sales and contributions from RWMF corporate sponsors, transforming festival participation into direct conservation action.
Speaking at the programme, Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau said the achievement marked a meaningful chapter in the festival’s sustainability journey ahead of its 30th anniversary. “As we look towards the 30th anniversary of the Rainforest World Music Festival, this achievement demonstrates that the festival’s legacy is not only measured by the experiences created on stage, but also by the positive impact it leaves behind.”
“Completing our 10,000-tree commitment ahead of this landmark celebration reinforces our responsibility to protect the natural environment that has always been central to RWMF’s identity,” said Dato Dennis.
The selected site at Rajang Mangrove National Park was affected by illegal clearing between 2020 and 2021. Restoring the coastal ecosystem will strengthen carbon absorption, protect against coastal erosion, support marine biodiversity and sustain local fisheries and the livelihoods of surrounding riverside communities. The initiative also highlights the importance of community-led conservation, with the Kampung Kuala Rajang community playing a key role in the planting exercise and the long-term stewardship of the restoration site.
The project brings together STB, SFC, local communities, corporate sponsors, government agencies and conservation partners, demonstrating how collaboration across the tourism ecosystem can contribute towards long-term environmental restoration. The completion of the 10,000-tree commitment ahead of RWMF’s 30th anniversary reinforces the festival’s continued commitment to responsible event management, environmental stewardship and regenerative tourism. Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, EcoGreen Planet demonstrates how tourism can contribute directly towards environmental restoration and create a positive legacy beyond the festival grounds.
Also present at the EcoGreen Planet Initiative at Rajang Mangrove National Park, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Haji Len Talif Salleh, Chief Executive Officer of STB, Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor and General Manager of SFC, Tuan Abang Arabi bin Abang Aimran.
