200 mangrove saplings planted to benefit Kuching Wetlands

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Some performers participate in the tree-planting at Kuching Wetland Centre National Park.

KUCHING: Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2017 continued its annual tree-planting tradition by planting 200 mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) saplings yesterday.

The event was held at Kuching Wetland National Park (KWNP) about 14km from the city centre.

RWMF performers as well as media practitioners from all over the world have planted more than 1,000 trees to date.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) acting CEO Mary Wan Mering said these mangrove trees would grow over the course of time and help prevent coastal erosion.

“In a few years, it will form a complete ecosystem where animals can find shelter and food among their buttressed roots and branches.

“These tree plantings don’t just affect the festival or Kuching in the short term, but will benefit Kuching Wetlands for many years to come.”

Mary said Rainforest World Music Festival had been expanding its greening activities over time, incorporating new ways of reducing or reusing waste and carbon footprint.

“We have shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions. We have begun composting biodegradable waste.

“We recycle and upcycle as can be seen by the useful bags given to you –the result of transforming old promotional material from last year’s festival.”

Mary thanked Sarawak Forests Department for supporting their tree-planting programme since 2011.

Over 100 RWMF performers together with foreign and local media practitioners participated in the tree-planting.

RWMF 2017, which will be held at Sarawak Cultural Village, will  feature 29 bands during the three days of stage shows from July 14-16.

STB is targeting 20,000 festival goers for the event which will line  up activities such as health and wellness programmes, mini sessions, arts and crafts for children as well as traditional food and crafts bazaar.