Sarawak leaders receive multiple sustainability awards at GAGA 2026

Sarawakian leaders, government agencies, and local authorities received numerous honors at the Green & Geopark Excellent Award (GAGA) 2026. The ceremony recognized achievements in sustainability, environmental management, smart city development, and climate action, aligning with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.

Key recipients included the Sarawak Forestry Department’s Datu Haji Hamden bin Haji Mohammad for Sustainable Forest Stewardship, and the Sarawak Tourism Board for the Rainforest World Music Festival. Local government bodies were heavily represented: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) secured four awards, including Circular Economy Pioneer, while Kuching South City Council (MBKS) earned five awards covering areas such as sustainable agriculture and smart green infrastructure. The Miri City Council also received recognition for zero-waste initiatives and green building.

Separately, the designation of the Sarawak Delta as a UNESCO Global Geopark is being viewed as a strategic tool to bolster the region’s zero-waste agenda. Experts noted that this status provides a platform to strengthen environmental governance and expand zero-waste education from urban centers to rural communities.