Its resident representative in Malaysia, Niloy Banerjee, said it would spend US$15 million to US$16 million (RM62.12 million to RM66.12 million) on the projects over four years.

“The funding will be for area-based programmes that cover conservation, biodiversity and wildlife protection and also to support local governments, create jobs and help youths to enter into business,” he told reporters after calling on Chief Minister Shafie Apdal at his office at the State Administrative Complex here today.

Banerjee said Shafie shared some ideas and will assist UNDP in its collaboration with Sabah ministries to implement the projects.

He said the major areas UNDP was looking to assist Sabah include land use planning, wildlife conservation, and the development of green cities or townships.

He said UNDP had been involved previously in such areas like conservation and improving the livelihood of the poor.

“At present, we are doing research on the undocumented people in Sabah with Universiti Malaysia Sabah,” he said.

Banarjee also said Sabah was blessed with natural resources and would be able to create green or eco-friendly jobs.