Joint Media Release - STB and WWF-Malaysia Forge Partnership for a Sustainable Sarawak in Rajang-Belawai-Paloh

Posted on 16 December 2024

Kuching, 16 December 2024 – A memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting nature-based and ecotourism packages while supporting the conservation of Sarawak’s vital mangroves and marine mammals is inked today.

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and World Wide Fund for Nature - Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) signed the MoU at WWF-Malaysia’s Sarawak Office here.

The partnership establishes a collaborative framework for the development and promotion of responsible ecotourism. It focuses on WWF-Malaysia’s project areas, particularly the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh delta in Tanjung Manis, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, including mangrove forests and marine mammal species, particularly the Irrawaddy dolphins. The collaboration seeks to balance conservation efforts with community-driven economic development.

"This partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board is a wonderful opportunity to connect conservation with sustainable ecotourism," said Dr Henry Chan, Conservation Director of WWF-Malaysia. "The Rajang-Belawai-Paloh delta is a unique biodiversity hotspot. Through this collaboration, we hope to foster greater awareness and support sustainable livelihood opportunities that benefit both the environment and the communities who depend on it."

Key goals of the partnership include:

Developing nature-based tourism: Developing and testing ecotourism packages that prioritise biodiversity while fostering community involvement and sustainable livelihoods.
Empowering local communities: Enhancing skills and capacity for ecotourism management, with a focus on building community-based enterprises.
Promoting collaborative management: Encouraging cooperation among local communities and stakeholders in managing and marketing ecotourism initiatives.
Raising awareness: Producing communication materials to showcase conservation efforts and promote responsible tourism to locals and visitors alike.

The partnership also includes joint activities such as professional training, workshops, and seminars. These initiatives aim to equip local communities and stakeholders with the skills needed to manage ecotourism sustainably and responsibly.

"Responsible tourism is central to our vision for Sarawak," said Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO of Sarawak Tourism Board. "Our partnership with WWF-Malaysia strengthens our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education by empowering local communities with training and knowledge, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the development of sustainable ecotourism, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering meaningful collaborations that benefit both nature and local communities. Together, we aim to safeguard Sarawak's unique biodiversity while fostering sustainable economic opportunities for its people."

The partnership is expected to deliver long-term benefits by boosting ecotourism opportunities and fostering meaningful collaboration among local communities, stakeholders, and conservationists. By combining resources and expertise, STB and WWF-Malaysia aim to promote a unified approach to conservation and sustainable development, ensuring that ecotourism flourishes while safeguarding Sarawak’s natural heritage.

Photos:

Dr Chan and Puan Sharzede at the MoU signing ceremony with WWF-Malaysia Sarawak Conservation Programme Head Cynthia Chin (left) and Puan Mary Wan Mering, Director - Stakeholder Relations of STB as witnesses. The event took place at WWF-Malaysia’s Sarawak Office today. © Ezen Chan / WWF-Malaysia

Dr Henry presented a souvenir to Puan Sharzede. © Ezen Chan / WWF-Malaysia

Puan Sharzede presented a memento to Dr Henry. © Ezen Chan / WWF-Malaysia

About Sarawak Tourism Board (STB):

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), established on 12 November 1994, is dedicated to promoting Sarawak as a premier destination for culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals (CANFF). Guided by its vision to be a leading ecotourism destination driven by empowered communities and responsible practices, STB works to increase tourist arrivals and raise awareness of Sarawak's unique attractions. Its mission focuses on strategic collaboration to market Sarawak’s diverse offerings. STB also facilitates tourism development, collaborates with stakeholders, and liaises with national bodies to enhance the state’s tourism industry while supporting sustainable growth and local engagement.

About WWF-Malaysia:

World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Find our latest news here:
https://www.wwf.org.my/media_and_information/media_centre_and_updates/

Joint Media Release - STB and WWF-Malaysia Forge Partnership for a Sustainable Sarawak in Rajang-Belawai-Paloh

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