Jack (second right, holding the Sarawak flag) flagging off the scientific expedition in front of Imperial Hotel yesterday.

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.

Jack also pointed out that many of the important existing conservation areas within the HoB are found in Sarawak such as the Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, Gunung Mulu National Park, Pulong Tau National Park, Batang Ai National Park and several proposed Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) like the Danum Linau National Park and Ulu Balleh National Park.

In addition to securing the protection of many key habitats and species biodiversity in the state, through the setting up of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, Jack said the Sarawak government through the Forest Department also promotes research, nature education, ecotourism and socio-economic development.

“This will generate employment and provide an important source of income to the government and the people,” Jack said.

On the HoB scientific project, Jack said the department welcomes everyone  locals and foreigners who wanted to work with them in the conservation of natural resources. Some 114 participants comprising of scientists, researchers and officers from various agencies and universities from Malaysia, Brunei, Denmark, Australia and Sri Lanka are taking part in the 12-day scientific expedition.

Jack flagged off the expedition yesterday (Aug 21) in front of Imperial Hotel.

The expedition will end on Sept 2.