KUCHING: The people have been asked to understand the importance of wetlands in the ecosystem as there are still many who are unable to understand how it contributes to the ecosystem circle.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, wetlands affect the surrounding areas and are home to various species of animals, plants and trees.
“It is a vital ecosystem which holds carbon effectively. Once opened, it would release methane gas which is harmful to our environment,” said Awang Tengah at the state-level World Wetland Day celebration at Telaga Air yesterday.
His text-of-speech was read by Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Assistant Minister Datu Len Talif Salleh.
Awang Tengah explained that the selection of Telaga Air as the site of the annual World Wetland Day was in line with this year’s theme of the celebration – ‘Wetlands for Sustainable Urban Future’.
“Our ecosystem needs to be protected to ensure that the Kuching Wetland National Park (KWNP) will become relevant and provide the home to various species and plants.”
Meanwhile, Len said the government planned to gazette more areas as wetland or ‘Ramsar’ site, national park and wildlife sanctuary.
“However, there are certain groups who do not understand the importance of such place to the society and its impact once the place has been gazetted,” he pointed out.
“There are certain quarters who felt that gazetting areas, especially located nearby to people and homes, will affect the lives of people in the area when it is actually not,” he said.
“In fact, such place will help to further better manage the natural resources in the area, to protect it from being destroyed by irresponsible persons,” he added.
Earlier on, State Forestry acting director Hamden Mohammad said the KWNP showed improvements in population of Grey Lutong and ‘Orang Belanda’.
“However, more research is needed for us to better understand the ecosystem here and how we can improve its condition,” he added.
Among the activities held yesterday were a colouring contest, essay writing on wetlands contest and gotong royong.