20Mar

Protected area management priorities crucial for future of Bornean elephants

KOTA KINABALU: Degraded forests play a crucial role in the future survival of Bornean elephants. A new study, published in the journal Biological Conservation, finds that forests of surprisingly short stature are ideal for elephants. “Our study indicates that forests with a mean canopy height of 13 m were those most utilized by Bornean elephants. These forests are consistent with degraded landscapes or those recovering from previous logging, or clearance,” noted lead author Luke Evans, a postdoctoral researcher at the Carnegie Institution for Science and Danau Girang Field Centre. “The study utilized GPS tracking data from 29 individual elephants that were collared across Sabah, providing high resolution, multi-year data,” said Evans. The study paired the GPS tracking data for each elephant with airborne laser-based images of Sabah’s forests, providing high resolution three-dimensional maps of forest canopy height and structure. Co-author Greg Asner, of the Carnegie Airborne Observatory, and Carnegie Institution for Science explained “Our mapping of Sabah’s forests is unique in that it provides accurate and detailed spatial information on forest structure. Combined with the GPS telemetry data for the elephants, the connection between relatively low-statured tree canopies and elephant habitat emerged in a way that was previously unknown. “The danger is that a large proportion of these lower-stature forest habitats could be prime candidates for conversion to large-scale agriculture before their importance is fully realized,” stated co-author Benoit Goossens, of Danau Girang Field Centre, Cardiff University and advisor for Sabah Wildlife Department. “The hope is that this study will reinforce the importance of protecting habitats perceived as ‘low-quality’, rather than merely solely old growth, high carbon, forests,” concluded Goossens. The project is part of an ongoing effort, funded by the Rainforest Trust, and spearheaded by Sabah Forestry Department, to increase totally protected areas in Sabah to 30% of total land area. “These new findings, when combined with our previous work on forest carbon, orang-utan habitat, and upcoming tree biodiversity results, will be a unique combination of studies to help Sabah achieve its conservation goals,” remarked Asner. Source: The Borneo Post
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20Mar

First KK homestay opened

By VESTA VANESSA JSOL KOTA KINABALU: The first homestay in the City was declared open yesterday and more are on the cards. The rapid growth of Kota Kinabalu as a tourism destination underlines the need to create new tourism products to sustain the growth, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah. Speaking at the launching ceremony of Kota Kinabalu’s first homestay, Desa Cinta Kobuni Homestay in Inanam, near here, yesterday, Yong said the best way to support the tourism growth is by developing innovative, creative tourism products and attractions within the city under the NBOS-Community Based Tourism Programme. (NBOS stands for New Blue Ocean Strategy and reflects the government’s call for innovation.) “We need to grab every opportunity in order to develop our economy and the tourism industry. “The Chief Minister (Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman) has announced in the 2018 Budget that the government is giving more focus on rural tourism and has allocated RM127.18 million for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment and RM152,09 for the Ministry of Rural Development.” “There is no excuse for not developing the industry.” Earlier, he praised the management of Desa Cinta Kobuni Homestay for its pioneering spirit. Homestays are popular in outer districts such as Kundasang and Kudat, but a rarity in the urban centres. “This is the first homestay in Kota Kinabalu, something to be proud of. I believe Kobuni will receive more international and domestic guests. It is my hope that more homestays will be established in town soon.” During the ceremony, Edward also announced that the government has approved the request of Kg Kobuni villagers for a computer system to help promote its homestay business. Meanwhile, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai said that the Kota Kinabalu City Hall is eying another village to establish a homestay programme. “Currently, I can say Tebobon (near Menggatal) and Babagon Toki (in Penampang) have the potential to be developed as homestay hub,” he said, adding that the scenery and villagers’ daily routine are among attractive factors. “I’ve been there, and it was wonderful,” he noted. Source: New Sabah Times
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19Mar

Agents promote Sabah as golfing destination

By UMESH RAJAN SANDAKAN: Around 25 golf agents from China were invited to play in a friendly golf meet at the award-winning Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club at the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Tuaran, recently. The golf agents were invited by the president of Shenzhen Century Holiday International Travel group who is also the leader of China Brother Golf Team Association to promote Sabah as a golfing destination. Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club was awarded Best Golfing Experience in the Sabah Tourism Awards 2017 where at the eco-golf course, players can tee off against the breathtaking backdrop of Sabah’s iconic Mount Kinabalu with views afforded from most holes. “We are excited to see partners joining forces to make this inaugural visit to Kota Kinabalu to promote golf in Sabah. The trip was made into fruition through the tremendous response from Century Holidays and experts in the golf travel industry who are members of the China Brother Golf Team Association. “We are honoured to be part of this inaugural visit and help to introduce Sabah as a combined destination for both golf and leisure,” said Fiona Hagan, General Manager. Source: New Sabah Times
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19Mar

KK pre-war building celebrates its 100th jubilee

Kota Kinabalu: A colonial-era building here that had withstood air raids during the second World War celebrated its 100th year. The building, which now houses the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), had once accommodated the offices of the Treasury, Post Office and Attorney-General among others. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the people must appreciate that this great white structure survived a war, endured developments around it and weathered the test of time. "When Sabah was under the colonial government, it was a printing office, treasury and bank. In fact, we fondly know this building as the Old Post Office," he said, adding the state government gazetted it as a historical building in 1988. Masidi said the tourism industry must continue thinking of creative ways to present itself to stand out among the rest. "Physically, we are not going to be here for the next 100 years but if we continue with this momentum, our industry will remain resilient, just like this building," he said. A large crowd that also included Masidi's Assistant Minister Pang Nyuk Ming, Mayor Yeo Boon Hai and STB chairman Joniston Bangkuai were treated to a carnival-like affair at the grounds of the building. There was a 100m-long cake, live band performance and the highlight was a 3D mapping on the building, which told the long history of one of Kota Kinabalu's most iconic structures. The building's construction began in 1916. It was designed and supervised by JW Norman, a colonial executive engineer. It was officially opened by the British North Borneo Chartered Company governor AC Pearson on March 16, 1918. After the war, the building remained the home for the post office before merging with the telegraphs department. The Postal department took over the building in 1968 and stayed on until 1986. About a year later, the state's tourism authority, known then as tourism and environmental authority ministry, moved in. The building is also under the care of the Sabah Museum and State Archives Department. In 1991, the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (now STB) moved into the building. Source: Daily Express
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16Mar

Sabah to celebrate World Water Day here on March 21-22

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah will celebrate the World Water Day Conference and Exhibition 2018 on March 22 to bring attention to the importance of water, said programme chairman Dr Michael Tay. He said this year the world celebrates the World Water Day which is themed "Nature for Water", focusing on nature-based solution (NBS) to the challenges faced by the people nowadays. The campaign quote "The answer is in nature" will further raise awareness on NBS, he said. "It is with the core message that NBS, such as forest rehabilitation by replanting, reconnecting rivers for floodplains and restoring wetlands, is a sustainable and cost-effective way to rebalance the water cycle and mitigate the effects of climate change with the ultimate goal of improving quality of life. "NBS will help meet the water needs of an ever-growing population and the need of contributing to a circular economy. At the same time, it protects the environment and reduces pollution, securing sustainable management of water and sanitation. "Hence, this year, Sabah will echo United Nation's call by hosting World Water Day Conference & Exhibition in this region (March 21 - 22) which is expected to be officiated by Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman. Dr Michael said the conference will host four sessions as well as a site visit, with 20 invited speakers consisting four international speakers from three countries, policy/ implementers, and also featuring practitioners that specialised in the respective field. Altogether, he said the event is expected to be attended by 350 participants with the motive of bringing awareness the masses on exploring the possibility of using nature to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century. This event is co-organised by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sabah and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia Sabah Branch, supported by the State Public Works Department and the State Water Department For further details, contact IEM Sabah at 088-259122 Source: Daily Express
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