MIRI: The selection of Long Banga in Ulu Baram as the site for this year’s Heart of Borneo (HoB) Sarawak Scientific Expedition is perfect as the area is rich with flora and fauna which have yet to be discovered.
Long Banga, a settlement of the Sabans – one of the smallest ethnic groups in Sarawak – also has virgin jungle that is worthwhile to be explored. In saying this, Deputy State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala also expressed his hope that the participants would succeed in documenting the flora and fauna in the area.
“I was informed that the scientific expedition is aimed at studying the area’s diversity fauna and flora, geology, aquatic habitat, sociological and anthropological characteristics of local communities and potential tourism areas.
“I do hope that this expedition will be beneficial not only for research purposes but will also contribute to the local communities’ well-being and enhance flora and fauna conservation in Long Banga,” he said when launching the 2016 Long Banga Scientific Expedition, HoB during a dinner held at a leading hotel here on Saturday.
Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemblyman, also called for the expedition’s results to be documented so that it would benefit the state government in planning policies and as a reference for future generations.
On another note, Gerawat said Sarawak will continue to uphold the principles of sustainable forest management to sustain the multi-functionality of its forests.
Meanwhile, acting deputy director of Forest Department, Jack Liam in his welcoming speech said Sarawak had developed its forestry sector in a manner similar to the other states in Malaysia which involved different phases of development.
He said Sarawak is fortunate to have political stability and a small population that enabled it to sustain development in the forestry sector.
“Sarawak gives equal attention to promoting conservation of its natural resources and environmental protection and to utilising forest resources’ sustainability particularly for the benefit of the people, while focusing on economic growth and development,” he said.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Long Banga perfect site for Heart of Borneo expedition
..
