KUCHING, Aug 26: In line with the new normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a hybrid version of the 9th International Bornean Frog Race 2021 has kicked off today.
Organised annually by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, and supported by Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture minister, the hybrid race received overwhelming response with participants who are ecotourists, conservationists, scientists, resource managers, students and others from all over Borneo.
The chief component of the Race is a photographic competition, with participants tasked with finding and photographing frogs and other amphibians in forests and fields of any locations across Borneo.
Speaking at the virtual launch, Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event is a community conservation movement that receives support from governmental agencies, drawing public attention to Sarawak and Malaysia’s rich biological diversity.
“As Sarawak has shown itself to be the home of the event, being home to nearly 120 species of amphibians, participants for the race may wish to know that the mountain ranges are home to innumerable species of plants and animals, and is particularly well-known for its pitcher plants, orchids, palms, birds and mammals.
“I hope that participants will also spend some time after the Race to visit some of our other protected areas, and get the chance to enjoy the rainforests, beaches, wildlife and culture of Sarawak.
“Apart from encouraging folks to come visit our National Parks and other wilderness areas of Sarawak, we also have a day of Closing; comprising talks, workshop, exhibition, documentary screening and prize awarding,” Abdul Karim said.
The Race is celebrated every year, during the last weekend of April since 2012.
The event also coincides with the annual ‘Save the Frogs Day’, a global event celebrated via 270 events in over 30 countries worldwide, to highlight conservation issues facing the world’s amphibians. — DayakDaily
