KUCHING: The state government has reserved 206 acres of landscaped area in Jalan Astana here as the site of Sarawak Botanical Garden.
In disclosing this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said with the contribution and collaboration from everyone, the greenery in the area, which was part of a former police training centre and home to some unique species of flora in Sarawak and Borneo, could be preserved.
“This site will become one of the sustainable networks of green spaces in Kuching city that can be turned into an area for recreational activities and be another landmark as well as attraction for tourists to Kuching,” he said in his speech at the launching of National Landscape Day 2016 at the old State Legislative Assembly Complex here yesterday.
Adenan’s speech was read out by his deputy Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu. Also present was Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Adenan expressed his gratitude to the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry for its commitment to provide allocations for the development of Bintulu Municipal Landscape that would be built this year, and the development of Core
Garden for Sarawak Botanical Garden.
“In this context, we are very hopeful that the development of this Botanical Garden would be able to be implemented according to the Sarawak Botanical Garden Masterplan that has been pursued by the
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), with the allocation and technical cooperation from Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry through National Landscape Department.”
He said the efforts by the state government to realise the Botanical Garden that would be the pride of the state, should be welcomed by all parties.
“I also welcome contribution from various parties be it the private sector, non-governmental organisations or individuals for the development of plants collections, preparation of facilities and garden furniture in the botanical garden.
“Besides that, contributions and volunteer activities for daily maintenance of the botanical garden are also welcomed.”
Similar to botanical gardens in other countries, Adenan believed that an attractive botanical garden could not be developed in a year or two, but would take years and required passion as well as commitment.
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