Miri, 10th -- The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, stated that adventure and ecotourism are among the most impactful forms of tourism, providing tourists with immersive natural experiences while fostering a profound understanding of Earth's biodiversity. However, these experiences must be responsibly managed to ensure they do not harm the environment that makes them possible.
He said, in Sarawak, we are fully committed to developing a tourism industry that prioritizes sustainability at every level. This means formulating policies, designing plans, and implementing strategies that allow tourism to flourish without endangering our ecological or cultural heritage.
Abang Johari made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Adventure and Ecotourism. As he was unable to attend, his speech was read by Dato Sri Abdul Karim.
He pointed out that the theme of this conference resonates deeply with our vision for Sarawak: “Sustainability of Adventure and Ecotourism: Connecting Theory and Practice.” This theme embodies our effort to balance the theoretical foundations of sustainability with the realities of adventure and ecotourism. It represents the core of Sarawak's journey as a steward of natural beauty and a leader in responsible tourism.
“In Sarawak, we are guided by a comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism, which goes beyond rhetoric. Our policies are based on scientific research, best practices, and local knowledge. Our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is built on the principles of sustainability, aiming to create a tourism industry that is not only profitable but also ecologically sound and socially responsible.”
He cited the Sarawak Reef Ball Project as an outstanding example. The project involves deploying reef balls to restore marine ecosystems, combining theoretical knowledge of coral ecology with practical conservation techniques. The project's outcomes enhance marine biodiversity and support sustainable diving tourism, demonstrating how theory and practice can achieve tangible benefits together.
“In our commitment to sustainable adventure and ecotourism, partnerships play a crucial role. Our collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a great example of how academic institutions can provide the theoretical foundation to guide practical application. Through this partnership, we are conducting research to deepen our understanding of Sarawak's ecosystems, enabling us to design educational and sustainable tourism experiences.”
He also mentioned that, additionally, we are committed to establishing partnerships with local communities, whose involvement is essential for the success of any ecotourism initiative. Communities living near forest reserves, such as Niah National Park and Mount Mulu, are our key stakeholders. By integrating their perspectives and leveraging their traditional knowledge, we have created sustainable and inclusive tourism models.
“Innovation is key to achieving sustainable development in adventure and ecotourism. In Sarawak, we are exploring cutting-edge technology that enables us to monitor environmental impacts, enhance visitor experiences, and promote conservation. For example, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow us to map protected areas and assess their ecological health, while remote sensing technology helps us detect land use changes that may threaten biodiversity.”
He said, we also utilize social media to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of promoting ecotourism. By researching how digital platforms influence tourist behavior, we are developing targeted marketing strategies to attract responsible travelers and raise awareness of conservation efforts in Sarawak. Social media allows us to share best practices, highlight local success stories, and encourage tourists to engage with our natural heritage in a respectful and sustainable way.
“Education is the bridge between theory and practice, an essential component. In Sarawak, we recognize the importance of building local capacity to ensure the long-term sustainability of our adventure and ecotourism programs. Our Responsible Tourism Blueprint outlines training programs for local guides, park rangers, and community members. By equipping them with the skills needed to manage ecotourism operations, we empower local communities to become advocates for sustainable development.”
He stated that our collaboration with UPM extends to educational programs, and we are developing projects to instill the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism in the next generation. Through these efforts, we hope to inspire future leaders to continue our work in preserving Sarawak's natural and cultural treasures.
Abang Johari made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Adventure and Ecotourism. As he was unable to attend, his speech was read by Dato Sri Abdul Karim.
He pointed out that the theme of this conference resonates deeply with our vision for Sarawak: “Sustainability of Adventure and Ecotourism: Connecting Theory and Practice.” This theme embodies our effort to balance the theoretical foundations of sustainability with the realities of adventure and ecotourism. It represents the core of Sarawak's journey as a steward of natural beauty and a leader in responsible tourism.
“In Sarawak, we are guided by a comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism, which goes beyond rhetoric. Our policies are based on scientific research, best practices, and local knowledge. Our Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is built on the principles of sustainability, aiming to create a tourism industry that is not only profitable but also ecologically sound and socially responsible.”
He cited the Sarawak Reef Ball Project as an outstanding example. The project involves deploying reef balls to restore marine ecosystems, combining theoretical knowledge of coral ecology with practical conservation techniques. The project's outcomes enhance marine biodiversity and support sustainable diving tourism, demonstrating how theory and practice can achieve tangible benefits together.
“In our commitment to sustainable adventure and ecotourism, partnerships play a crucial role. Our collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a great example of how academic institutions can provide the theoretical foundation to guide practical application. Through this partnership, we are conducting research to deepen our understanding of Sarawak's ecosystems, enabling us to design educational and sustainable tourism experiences.”
He also mentioned that, additionally, we are committed to establishing partnerships with local communities, whose involvement is essential for the success of any ecotourism initiative. Communities living near forest reserves, such as Niah National Park and Mount Mulu, are our key stakeholders. By integrating their perspectives and leveraging their traditional knowledge, we have created sustainable and inclusive tourism models.
“Innovation is key to achieving sustainable development in adventure and ecotourism. In Sarawak, we are exploring cutting-edge technology that enables us to monitor environmental impacts, enhance visitor experiences, and promote conservation. For example, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow us to map protected areas and assess their ecological health, while remote sensing technology helps us detect land use changes that may threaten biodiversity.”
He said, we also utilize social media to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of promoting ecotourism. By researching how digital platforms influence tourist behavior, we are developing targeted marketing strategies to attract responsible travelers and raise awareness of conservation efforts in Sarawak. Social media allows us to share best practices, highlight local success stories, and encourage tourists to engage with our natural heritage in a respectful and sustainable way.
“Education is the bridge between theory and practice, an essential component. In Sarawak, we recognize the importance of building local capacity to ensure the long-term sustainability of our adventure and ecotourism programs. Our Responsible Tourism Blueprint outlines training programs for local guides, park rangers, and community members. By equipping them with the skills needed to manage ecotourism operations, we empower local communities to become advocates for sustainable development.”
He stated that our collaboration with UPM extends to educational programs, and we are developing projects to instill the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism in the next generation. Through these efforts, we hope to inspire future leaders to continue our work in preserving Sarawak's natural and cultural treasures.
