How will future commercial use of Engkerebai benefit its traditional custodians?

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Future commercial use of the Engkerebai plant will provide benefits to the indigenous communities that contributed their traditional knowledge.

The signing of Sarawak’s fourth Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) establishes a framework to ensure that any future commercial exploitation of the Engkerebai plant will result in benefits returning to the indigenous communities. This agreement was formalised between the Sarawak Biodiversity Council and Iban communities hailing from Julau, Pakan, Roban, Lubok Antu, and Pantu.
A Framework for Shared Gains

The BSA ensures that proceeds from the commercial application of the Engkerebai plant will be shared with the originating communities. This mechanism is a direct implementation of Sarawak's commitment to the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework, as mandated by the Nagoya Protocol. The protocol guides the equitable distribution of both monetary and non-monetary advantages derived from the utilisation of traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
Economic Potential in Cosmeceuticals

The Engkerebai plant, traditionally used by the Iban people for dyeing textiles and treating skin conditions, is now being researched for its potential as a high-value cosmeceutical product. This development highlights Sarawak's initiative to transform indigenous wisdom into tangible scientific and economic assets. The global cosmeceutical market is substantial, with projections indicating a near doubling from US$74 billion (RM310.65 billion) in the current year to US$138 billion (RM579.32 billion) by 2032, presenting a significant opportunity for such innovations.
Recognition of Indigenous Data Rights

Beyond direct financial benefits, the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre's (SBC) efforts to document traditional knowledge align with global calls for inclusive data governance. This approach ensures that the rights of indigenous communities concerning their knowledge and genetic resources are recognised and protected. Sarawak is actively collaborating with various state agencies to develop a governance framework specifically for Indigenous data, contributing to Malaysia's input on international data governance discussions.

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How will future commercial use of Engkerebai benefit its traditional custodians?

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