KUCHING: Relevant agencies have been urged to leverage the power of the Heart of Borneo (HoB) branding in their efforts to implement programmes within the HoB areas, ensuring continuous support for the initiative.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan noted that the global recognition of the HoB Initiative presents an opportunity to showcase the commitment to sustainable forest management and certified oil palm production in the region.
In light of the rapid economic development and the introduction of Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he expressed a strong commitment to engaging the local community and ensuring they benefit from their participation in these programme activities.
“Leveraging the HoB brand allows us to showcase our positive efforts, including community engagement initiatives and sustainable practices like the ‘tagang’ system and ecotourism, which benefit both the environment and local communities.
“As Sarawak’s economy is becoming increasingly tourism-oriented, government agencies and the local communities need to work together with the private sector to ensure that these areas become leading destinations for eco-tourism.
“This ensures that the development of the eco-tourism industry is at the forefront of green, sustainable, and fair practices partnerships.”
His speech was delivered by Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh at the Heart of Borneo Seminar 2023: Gerenai-Long Mekaba Scientific Expedition at the Waterfront Hotel here on Thursday (Oct 12).
The implementation of the HoB Initiative, he said, requires a cross-sectoral approach due to the diverse land-use patterns in the region.
Awang Tengah, who also serves as Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, asserted that key sectors like agriculture and tourism play central roles in providing alternative income sources for rural communities.
“This involves adopting sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices and leveraging transboundary ecotourism sites.
“Other sectors, including the plantation industry, must also contribute by attaining certifications and good agricultural practices.”
He emphasised the importance of sourcing funding and collaboration for pillars not under the Forest Department’s jurisdiction, such as agriculture and tourism.
Recognising the importance of ecotourism, he noted that Malaysia has developed the National Ecotourism Plan (NEP) 2016–2025, aligning with the unique transboundary ecotourism sites within the HoB.
“In Sarawak, we’ve identified ecotourism clusters within the HoB that align with this vision, such as: Sri Aman-Batang Ai-Ulu Sungai Menyang-Maludam, Sibu-Kapit-Tunoh-Baleh-Palagus, Miri-Sibuti-Niah-Loagan Bunut, and Limbang-Mulu-Gunung Buda.”
As such, Awang Tengah urged relevant agencies to harness the HoB branding by seeking funds and collaborations either from international or local bodies to facilitate activities in the HoB areas, promoting sustainability.
