Sustainability

Meeting our economic, environmental and social responsibilities

Overview

Gerak Saga recognises that long term sustainability is not only determined by economic success. For this reason we engage proactively with the nearby communities and other stakeholders while also working to protect and improve the state of the remaining natural ecosystems.

Sustainabilty support intiaitives include:

Commmunity Development

Gerak Saga seeks first to be a good neighbour to local communities. This is done through:

  • Engagement - Regular engagement with communities in close proximity to the plantation to encourage sustainable dialogue and improve relations.
  • Projects - Identification, implementation and monitoring of beneficial community projects ensuring the sustainable improvement of livelihoods.
  • Grievance Management - Utilising SOPs to record, manage and close out all grievances raised in an efficient manner improving integrity with local communities.
  • SIA to FPIC - Conducting SIAs to determine the effect of operations on communities and finding effective ways to mitigate relevant issues with FPIC as the desirable outcome.

Community Program Partners

Since 2016, Gerak Saga has worked with reputable partners with a deep commitment to community development. Together we have completed community infrastructure, medical support, water supply and sanitation projects.

Environmental Protection

Protection of the natural environment is ensured through structured planing, management and monitoring, both internal and independent.

  • Operations Planning - detailed surveys, planning and boundary marking are conducted prior to operations to ensure high conservation value areas are protected.
  • Conservation Management Plan - focuses on research, monitoring and protection of river buffers, steep areas and other conservation areas.
  • Auditing - continuous internal and frequent independant auditing of plantation and harvesting operations is conducted for compliance with regulations and plans and adherence to boundaries.

Conservation Research, Awareness and Restoration

Understanding and creating awareness of the biodiversity present in the area is core to our conservation program.

  • Research - Conducting research and ongoing monitoring in collaboration with NGOs academia and Government agencies.
  • Awareness - Promoting sustainable concept and conservation efforts by providing environmental training and awareness for staff, community members and relevant stakeholders.
  • Restoration - Rehabilitating riparian corridors and catchments with indigenous species while eradicating the wild acacia.

Conservation Program Partners

Gerak Saga has partnered with organisations leading conservation efforts and studies in Sabah. Together we have undertaken biodiversity studies, camera trapping, seed collection, research collaborations and high conservation value area assessments.

Compliance

Gerak Saga is certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® and Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme® Forest Management and Chain of Custody Standards as complies with required national and international regulations.

Compliance is a continous process of documenting standards, training staff, auditing and improvement:

  • 2nd and 3rd Party Audits - Establishment of the certification committee, management and monitoring the external audit system covering FSC®, MTCS®/PEFC®, TLAS, EIA and DOSH. Also managing and monitoring the internal compliance audit system.
  • Documentation and Training - Collates all compliance-related documentation, coordinates annual revision of SFPs and SOPs, and manages the dissemination of new and revised documentation throughout the organization.
  • Non-conformance System - Manages the NCR system ensuring proper record and monitoring until closure.

Safety and Security

The safety of our staff and also visitors entering the area is paramount and ensured through strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Key elements are:

  • Safety and Health (OSHA 1994) - Ensuring compliance and to promote safe conduct of work. Conducting ESH compliance audit and monitoring in the project area. Training ESH aspects to employees.
  • Security - Strategic gates in every coupe. Control points to monitor and control movements for illegal activities prevention.
  • Covid-19 - Control point with strict temperature screening, social distancing and mask enforcement. Regular workplace sanitizing and implementation of the POD system.