By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 2: Sarawak is targeting to train at least 300 park guides by 2030 as part of its efforts to strengthen its standing as a premier ecotourism destination in the region, said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chew Yew.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Ting highlighted that Sarawak continues to gain international recognition, including efforts to designate Bako National Park and Lambir Hills National Park as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP).
Currently, the State boasts 67 fully protected areas comprising 47 national parks, 15 nature reserves, and five wildlife sanctuaries.
Among these, Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while the Sarawak Delta Geopark is expected to be listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark this September.
“These achievements are the backbone of our tourism offerings under the concept of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF).
“National parks are not only biodiversity conservation sites but also platforms for generating economic benefits and strengthening sustainable ecotourism,” he said when officiating at the Park Guide Training Course at Bako National Park here today.
Ting stressed the importance of balancing conservation with ecotourism activities, underscoring the moral responsibility of all parties to protect the environment and cultural heritage for future generations.
He reminded park guides to act as “frontline ambassadors of Sarawak’s ecotourism,” not only providing facts to visitors but also delivering conservation messages and instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature.
“Every guided tour should inspire, not just inform. Park guides play a key role in shaping visitors’ perceptions and behaviour towards our environment,” he emphasised.
Under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), Sarawak has set the target of training at least 300 park guides by 2030.
To date, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) has trained about 400 licensed park guides, though only 231 remain active.
He added that recognition is also given through the Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA), held biennially, which includes special categories for park guides and regional tourist guides.
Ting also called on more locals to seize the opportunities offered through such training, which builds capacity, creates job opportunities, and enhances Sarawak’s competitiveness as a world-class ecotourism destination. — DayakDaily
