By Didieni Emeilada Linggang
KUCHING: A total of 34 participants were selected for training from July 18 to 21 to learn about natural reserve and forest management.
The four-day training was organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia, Institute of Biodiversity and Environment Conservation (IBEC), University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Gunung Lesong Community-based Ecotourism Committee.
After realising the importance of protecting Mount Lesong, the local villages set up a Gunung Lesong Community-based Ecotourism Committee at Kampung Lesong.
The committee consists of representatives from nine villages and they will carry out the necessary tasks to enhance ecotourism in the national park.
According to WWF Malaysia, Mount Lesong National Park, or known as Bukit Lingga, is one of the Totally Protected Areas, TPAs where it is exploring its community conservation area concept.
“This will involve several agencies namely Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC),” it said in a statement.
WWF invites members of the public to attend conservation training at Kubah National Park organised by SFC and later at Bung Jagoi Heritage Centre to learn about natural reserve management in September.
Mount Lesong, covering 595 hectares, is located in between the Pantu and Lingga districts, about three hours’ drive from Kuching.
It is home to various flora and fauna, including the orangutan.
