LONDON: The state is taking advantage of the World Travel Market (WTM) here to launch its very own conservation eco-tourism booklet.
Abang Johari (centre) at the launch of the booklet with (from right) Ali, Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan, federal Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng and Tourism Ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon.
The ‘Sarawak’s Adventures in Conservation’ is collaborative effort between Sarawak Forestry and Sarawak Tourism Board, under the New Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) that leverages the strength of both parties to create a niche product experience to visitors.
“I am pleased to launch ‘Sarawak’s Adventures in Conservation’ at WTM 2014 and I would like to invite all of you to Sarawak and experience these conservation programs,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg recently.
Echoing the minister’s sentiment, Sarawak Forestry chief executive officer Datu Ali Yusop said this year’s WTM was indeed a great platform to launch the booklet.
“It is the leading global happening for those in the travel industry – a vibrant must-attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of industry sectors to UK and international travel professionals.
“We hope that our volunteer-based eco-tourism products would attract even more participants after this (WTM 2014),” he said.
He also highlighted ‘Heart2Heart with Orangutans’ as among the most popular volunteer programmes.
“The one-day programme at Matang Wildlife Centre – Sarawak’s centre for rehabilitation of the animal – enables participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced throughout the undertaking of the conservation work on the orangutans.”
Participants, he added, would later be transferred to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to view he state’s semi-wild orangutan population in the second half of the programme.
Members of the public are also urged to take part in the low-impact ‘Sea Turtle Conservation Programme’ – a four-day, three-night expedition conducted on the majestic turtle islands at Talang Satang
National Park.
One would have the opportunity to engage in conservation activities including beach patrols to locate turtle landing, the monitoring of nesting activities, tagging and measuring sea turtles as well as data recording. Participants could also experience the transferring of fresh turtle eggs to the hatchery and even releasing some hatchlings.
For children, they could enroll as ‘Junior Wildlife Rangers’ – an informal and enjoyable three-day, two-night education module for primary and secondary students, designed to inculcate in them the understanding and concern for wildlife and
biodiversity.
Other ecotourism packages offered in the state include botanical eco-tours, wildlife adoption programmes and tree-planting conservation packages. To find out more, visit www.sarawakforestry.com and www.sarawaktourism.com.
end with photo