By DayakDaily
KUCHING, Dec 16: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and World Wide Fund for Nature–Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote nature-based and ecotourism packages, while supporting the conservation of Sarawak’s vital mangroves and marine mammals.
The partnership focuses on WWF-Malaysia’s project areas, particularly the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh Delta in Tanjung Manis, an area known for its rich biodiversity, including mangrove forests and marine species like the Irrawaddy dolphins.
Key goals include developing ecotourism packages that prioritise biodiversity and community involvement, empowering local communities by enhancing skills in ecotourism management, promoting collaboration among communities and stakeholders for managing and marketing ecotourism initiatives, and producing materials that highlight conservation efforts and encourage responsible tourism.
Joint activities such as professional training, workshops, and seminars will also be organised to equip local communities and stakeholders with the necessary skills for sustainable ecotourism management.
STB CEO Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said the partnership reinforces the board’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which focus on empowering local communities, developing sustainable ecotourism, and fostering collaborations for nature and community benefit.
“Together, we aim to safeguard Sarawak’s unique biodiversity while creating sustainable economic opportunities for its people,” she said.
This partnership is expected to provide long-term benefits by enhancing ecotourism and fostering meaningful collaboration among local communities, stakeholders, and conservationists.
By combining resources and expertise, STB and WWF-Malaysia seek to promote a unified approach to conservation and sustainable development, ensuring that ecotourism thrives while preserving Sarawak’s natural heritage. – DayakDaily
