Adenan points out a feature of the ‘Piasau Nature Reserve — Road to Conservation’ exhibition. Taib is at left.
Government to set aside areas in urban centres for nature reserves similar to Piasau Nature Park
MIRI: Sarawak plans to gazette more nature parks near or within town centres to add to the eight parks it already has in the state.
This was announced by Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem during the ground-breaking ceremony for the development of Piasau Nature Park, which was performed by Yang Di-pertua Negeri Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud here yesterday.
“We are very concerned about our environment not only for ourselves, but also for future generations.
“Gazetting Piasau Camp into a nature reserve is the first step. I look forward to similar nature parks. It would be best if it is located in the city.”
He added that the setting up of these nature reserves as green lungs in urban centres was part of the government’s nature conservation efforts and to encourage outdoor activities for urban folk.
At present only Kuching and Miri have nature reserves located within their centres and there are plans to set up green lung area in Sibu.
“For Sibu town, it is quite crowded. Maybe it can be set up not far from the town area,” Adenan said.
He believed the 88- hectare Piasau Nature Reserve would be a fine model for the setting up of other urban nature reserves.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Resource Planning and Environment’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Sudarsono Osman said the Piasau Nature Reserve master plan had been drafted for the development and management of Piasau Reserve.
“A Piasau Nature Reserve project implementation committee has been established and the committee is headed by the Ministry of Resource Planning and Environment, with Sarawak Forestry as the secretariat comprising members from Sarawak Financial Secretary Office, Petronas, Shell, Forest Department and representatives from local communities,” he said.
Sudarsono said the committee would look into the possibility of creating an endowment fund, which will be used for the operation and maintenance of the Piasau Nature Reserve.
At the same function Petronas and Shell Malaysia announced a contribution of RM5 million each for the building of a visitor centre and conservation facilities for the park.