Len Talif (fourth right) switches on the light of a replica of HoB Scientific Expedition–Tama Abu 2017 to symbolically launch the expedition, witnessed by Sapuan (third right), Dennis (third left), Gerawat (fourth left) and others.
MIRI: The findings of the fifth scientific expedition under Heart of Borneo (HoB) Sarawak Tama Abu Scientific Expedition 2017 are vital to complement several scientific projects supported by the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO), run since 2005.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this at the launch of the 13-day scientific expedition at Imperial Hotel here on Sunday.
The expedition, organised by the state Forest Department under the HoB initiative, runs till Aug 26.
“This Tama Abu Scientific Expedition is organised for the purpose of studying the flora and fauna diversity, geology of the area, the aquatic habitats, the sociology and anthropology of the local communities and tourism potential of the area.
“It also serves as a way for the research team to come up with ideas that could contribute to the wellbeing of the local communities and enhancing conservation,” he said in his text of speech, read by Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh.
Located at south-east of Pulong Tau National Park, Awang Tengah said Tama Abu – comprising primary and logged-over forests, and with mountain peaks over 1,000m high – is truly worthwhile to be explored.
He said although the expedition site might be outside the boundary of the Pulong Tau National Park, he reminded the participants on the need to be careful throughout the expedition by not causing damage to the ecosystem.
He further said the expedition site is located just outside Pulong Tau National Park, where a lot of studies on socio-economics, soils, forest ecology, flora, fauna, culture and eco-tourism has already been conducted through several ITTO-supported projects since 2005.
“I hope the findings of this expedition would complement this effort. We are also expecting to find high levels of endemicity and it is almost certain that new species will be discovered. If you discover new species, well and good, but do not let that make us lose our focus.”
Noting that similar scientific expeditions had been carried out by Royal Geographical Society of London (1977/78) and ITTO Borneo Biodiversity Expedition (IBBE 1997), Awang Tengah said such expedition has put Gunung Mulu National Park in the world map as a World Heritage Site and resulted in the establishment of Transboundary Biodiversity Conservation Area of Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary in Sarawak and Betung Kerihun National Park in West Kalimantan.
“Scientific expedition is not just about finding new species, as it is also about how to apply the results and data collected to good use to achieve greater scientific and conservation goals.”
Thus, the deputy chief minister hoped that the expedition would come up with innovative ideas to advise and assist the government in enhancing biodiversity conservation, research and development in Sarawak.
“I have high hopes that this expedition would be beneficial not only for research purposes, but to also contribute to the local communities’ wellbeing and enhance the flora and fauna conservation in Tama Abu.
“I also call for the expedition’s result to be documented so that they would benefit the state government in planning policies and as a reference for future generations.” Witnessing the launch were Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and state Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad.