By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 10: The hornbill is more than a symbol of Sarawak’s identity and pride, but an integral part of the State’s cultural heritage and natural treasures that must be protected for future generations.
Deputy Premier and Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Sarawak, as the Land of the Hornbills, had a special responsibility to ensure the iconic bird remained a living heritage rather than merely a symbol on the State crest or in traditional carvings and artworks.
“We want it to remain a living heritage that can be seen, appreciated and cherished by present and future generations,” he said in his speech text at the Sarawak-level 2026 National Hornbill Day celebration, which was officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at the Sarawak Science Centre today.
Awang Tengah said the celebration served as an important platform to raise public awareness of hornbill conservation and the protection of their natural habitats.
He stressed that wildlife conservation was not merely about protecting individual species, but also safeguarding the ecological systems upon which the environment and communities depended.
“Sarawak is home to eight hornbill species, all fully protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998. The birds play an important ecological role as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration and maintaining the diversity of tropical forests,” he said.
However, he pointed out that their survival continues to face threats including habitat loss, illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking, highlighting the need for stronger habitat protection, enforcement, scientific research and public awareness.
Awang Tengah said conservation efforts must be guided by reliable scientific information and long-term monitoring to develop effective strategies and ensure lasting results.
He acknowledged the role of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), research institutions, conservation organisations and other partners in advancing wildlife protection in the state.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s international collaboration with Thailand’s Hornbill Research Foundation, established in 2017 with the involvement of renowned conservationist Professor Dr Pilai Poonswad.
“Through initiatives such as the RIMBA Sarawak research programme, the partnership has strengthened understanding of hornbill species, their breeding patterns, food sources and natural habitats, providing an important scientific foundation for conservation policies,” he said.
Beyond scientific research, Awang Tengah said conservation efforts must also respect the cultural heritage of local communities.
“Through collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society, an approach has been introduced to use naturally shed hornbill feathers for Dayak customary and cultural practices, helping reduce pressure on wild hornbill populations,” he explained.
He added that Sarawak is also working with Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei through the Heart of Borneo initiative to protect forest habitats across national borders.
Awang Tengah said research findings, including the Important Hornbill Landscapes study published in 2024, and knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Malaysian Conservation Conference 2026, further highlighted the importance of identifying and protecting critical habitats.
He called for greater public participation and environmental education, particularly among younger generations, to nurture a stronger appreciation of wildlife and the importance of biodiversity.
Education institutions and digital platforms, he said, could play an important role in sharing conservation knowledge and encouraging young people to take an active interest in protecting the state’s natural heritage.
He hoped the celebration would strengthen partnerships and renew collective commitment towards safeguarding all eight hornbill species.
“As the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak has a special responsibility to ensure that hornbills remain part of the state’s living heritage.
“Let us not allow future generations to know hornbills only through photographs or the state emblem. Instead, let our children and grandchildren continue to have the opportunity to witness hornbills flying freely in Sarawak’s forests,” he said.
He also thanked the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources, Yayasan Sime Darby, SFC, Sarawak Science Centre, government agencies, strategic partners and organising committee for their contributions to the success of the celebration. — DayakDaily
