‘Environment, natural heritage conservation high on devt agenda’
BATU NIAH, Miri: Conservation of the environment and natural heritage remain high on Sarawak’s development agenda.
Permanent secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar said the role of government is essential in providing an enabling environment for development.
“Conservation should be the responsibility of each and every one of us. A creative mix of participation is needed, such as government departments, agencies, public sector, corporations, universities and local community groups,” he stated when officiating at the launching ceremony of the Interpretation Centre at Niah National Park here yesterday.
On the Interpretation Centre, Wan Lizozman said the centre aimed to highlight information on the park and communitybased eco-tourism initiatives via technology-driven platform, whereby a tour of the centre is expected to build awareness on conservation and enhance experience on the unique profile of the park.
He was informed that information in the Interpretation Centre has been creatively packaged and disseminated through various panels, wall paintings and interactive exhibits, making it interesting and informative for visitors.
Thus, he believes the state-ofthe-art centre would be able to inspire people to play an integral role in conserving biodiversity and advocate the protection of the state’s totally protected areas.
He added the establishment of the centre was not an easy feat as it involved both physical construction and intellectual inputs.
At the same time, Wan Lizozman said the state government is grateful to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (Motac) for its continuous support and assistance in equipping national parks by providing funds for the development of facilities to enhance the tourism sector in Sarawak.
Also present were Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) acting chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, Motac Sarawak Office director Suriya Charles Buas and Niah National Park warden Shirley Nathaniel Naning.