27th GRESUNALI Bazaar: Grassroots Voices, Organic Traditions, and Community Resilience Writer on-the-go | Lorena Binisol

The 27th edition of the GRESUNALI (Green Economy Sustainable Natural Livelihood) Bazaar once again blossomed into a vibrant celebration of Sabah’s grassroots resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable living. Organized by PACOS Trust, this annual gathering brought together 180 participants from across Sabah, each representing the enduring spirit of community empowerment.

This year’s bazaar stood out for its remarkable diversity, featuring vendors from Sabah’s Indigenous communities including the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus, and many others.

Visitors were welcomed by stalls overflowing with homegrown produce, wild vegetables freshly harvested from village gardens, homemade pickles prepared using generations-old traditional recipes, and organic wellness products deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge. Each product reflected not only economic independence but also a profound connection to heritage, sustainability, and respect for the natural environment.

Adding to the lively atmosphere were captivating cultural dance performances that infused the event with color, rhythm, and celebration. These traditional showcases served as a powerful reminder of Sabah’s rich multicultural identity, transforming the bazaar into more than just a marketplace, but a living cultural experience.

The event also received notable recognition from the State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, Datuk Jamawi Ja’afar, who commended the organizers for championing community-based sustainability. He highlighted how GRESUNALI aligns closely with national priorities surrounding food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural economic development.

Anne Lasimbang, Executive Director of PACOS Trust, emphasized the bazaar’s greater mission beyond commerce.

“GRESUNALI is more than just a marketplace. It is a platform for grassroots communities to showcase their initiatives, strengthen their livelihoods, and bring their products beyond village borders.”

Through this initiative, local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to expand their reach, gain broader recognition, and preserve traditional practices in an increasingly modern economy.

Supported by funding from the European Union (EU), the GRESUNALI Bazaar reflects a powerful collaboration between local communities and international partners, demonstrating that meaningful sustainability begins at the grassroots level.

Now in its 27th year, GRESUNALI continues to serve as a beacon of resilience, proving that Sabah’s future can be cultivated through the wisdom, hands, and traditions of its people.