‘Work with SBC to develop forest treasures’

Jena Libang from Bario shows LitSara essential oil body wash and fresh Litsea cubeba leaves.

(From left) Roslind John, Jena Libang and Dora Sarah from Bario show LitSara essential oil products derived from the fruits and leaves of the Litsea cubeba tree. — Bernama photos

Roslind John (left) and Jena Libang from Bario show LitSara essential oil products derived from the fruits and leaves of the Litsea cubeba tree.

KUCHING: Local communities have been asked to work with the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) located in the Padawan Municipal Council in developing their traditional knowledge and providing leads to more discoveries from the state’s forests.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the dedication of the five highland communities behind the new LitSara essential oil is something to be emulated.

“I applaud the five communities who have been keen and steadfast in their journey with SBC to develop this essential oil,” he said during the launch of LitSara yesterday.

“Because of its unique oil composition, LitSara will be able to carve out its own niche as a high value and unique essential oil which invigorates, rejuvenates and refreshes.”

He added the ultimate aim of this project and many more to come from SCB is to channel benefits to the state and more importantly to the indigenous communities from the use of local biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

The communities involved in the research and development of LitSara are the Kelabit of Pa Ukat and Pa Lungan in Bario, the Lun Bawang of Long Telingan and Long Kerebangan in Lawas, and the Bidayuh of Kampung Kiding.

SBC CEO Dr Yeo Tiong Chia said the centre has identified three more plants to develop under the model used for LitSara.

“Because it can be done, we have put in our efforts in research and we have shortlisted at least three more plants to develop – Bunga Taang (Adenosma nelsonioides) or the Diesel plant, Sarang Bejit (Torenia sp) or Camphor, and Sekiu (Madhuca motleyana) from the Melanau community in Kampung Jemoreng, Matu,” he said.

SCB is also eyeing long-term research goals.

“This are of course more complex and involve developing compounds for the treatment of diseases such as cancers, antivirals and bacterial infections. We have to manage our expectations because there are many factors which may make or break a compound during its development,” he said, adding that it is also an extremely expensive process.

LitSara essential oil is distilled from the Litsea cubeba tree, which grows in the hilly forests of Sarawak.

Laboratory tests have shown it has both anti-microbial and repellency properties, besides having a pleasantly revitalising scent.

It is a suitable ingredient for personal care products such as natural handmade soaps, scented multipurpose spray and even in wet wipes to repel insects.

Sarawak Litsea is registered as a Geographical Indicator (GI), while the essential oil LitSara is trademarked.

It was developed under SBC’s Traditional Knowledge Documentation programme.

The tree has been utilised for generations by the Bidayuh, Kelabit and Lun Bawang communities for healing and culinary purposes.

LitSara is a pilot project which utilises the acquisition of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from participating communities, who are actively involved in implementing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).

Provisions for ABS and PIC are stipulated in the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance (Amendment) 2014.

The ultimate aim is to ensure that indigenous communities’ traditional knowledge is valued by those who use it to develop a range of products and that the benefits are shared equitably.

This is to ensure that the indigenous communities play a pivotal role in adding value to their traditional knowledge and local biodiversity, and are also duly acknowledged through recognition and equitable sharing of benefits arising from product commercialisation.

July 14, 2016, Thursday Georgette Tan, reporters@theborneopost.com