By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 10: The Singapore Botanic Gardens (SBG) has expressed interest in establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) on orchid conservation.
According to a media release, this followed a visit from the Sarawak delegation, led by FDS Director Datu Hamden Mohammad, to the SBG to gain insight into how to develop the State’s orchid garden.
“We greatly appreciate this opportunity and believe it marks the beginning of a collaboration that could bring significant benefits to both sides,” said Hamden during his welcoming remarks.
According to Hamden, Sarawak is home to over 1,000 orchid species, including the iconic Paphiopedilum sanderianum, which is found only in the limestone areas of Gunung Mulu National Park.
He emphasised the importance of protecting this natural heritage, which is increasingly under threat.
In line with that, Sarawak is actively exploring innovative approaches to orchid propagation, including the use of tissue culture and micropropagation technology.
These efforts not only support conservation but also offer economic potential through the development of new hybrids for the horticulture market.
On the visit, the Sarawak delegation was welcomed by the National Parks Board (NParks) chief executive officer (CEO), Hwang Yu-Ning, along with several key figures from the SBG, including senior director Thereis Choo, botanical research director Timothy Utteridge, living collections and facilities management director Ooi Zong Yu, and training and international relations deputy director Nura Abdul Karim.
Hamden expressed his gratitude to the hosts for their hospitality and for sharing their valuable expertise and experience.
“We are honoured to be at this world-class institution. This visit is vital to our efforts in developing an orchid garden that not only serves as a tourism attraction but also as a centre for public education and the conservation of Sarawak’s unique orchid species,” he said.
The Sarawak delegation comprised experts from diverse backgrounds, including research and development, forest conservation, architecture, engineering, and project monitoring, forming the working group for the development of the Sarawak Orchid Garden.
Apart from the FDS, representatives from the Public Works Department (JKR), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR), and the Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) also participated. — DayakDaily
