Abang Johari: Sarawak partners with LSE to explore natural capital
Abang Johari visiting the booths at the ICW Borneo exhibitions at BCCK today – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 13): Sarawak is collaborating with the London School of Economics (LSE) to explore the concept of natural capital, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking to reporters after launching International Construction Week (ICW) Borneo at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, Abang Johari said discussions were held with top LSE lecturers during a visit to the institution on May 1.
'We had a discussion on environmental, social and governance (ESG), sustainability, and a new concept called natural capital.
'It refers to our natural assets, which we must preserve, but at the same time, we must assign value to them,' he said.
He explained that the value of natural capital depends on the capacity of a nation's human capital.
'Human capital must be made up of people who are creative and innovative—people who can add value to our assets. So, natural capital and human capital combine,' he said.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak formed its own discussion group during the visit, while the LSE academics formed theirs.
'In Borneo, in the tropics, we are the richest in natural capital, like our rainforests and all that.
'So, we have to have a way on how to manage our natural capital on a global scale,' he said.
When asked who is heading the committee, Abang Johari said the matter is still being discussed.
'We are looking into it but that day, together with me, were the Deputy Minister of Education and the State Secretary.
'We will discuss on that. This is something new,' he said. abang johari lead London School of Economics natural capital
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