Tree planting and environmental education with EAC and SK Sukau

World Environmental Day is held every year on the 5th June. It is one of the principle vehicles through which the United Nations (UN) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances the attention of “Green Tourism”. This year’s theme highlighted the relationship between quality of life and the health of forest with their ecosystem, with the theme “Forest: Nature at Your Services”.

India is the host this year where the prime celebration was held in New Delhi. Nonetheless awareness campaign was also held in interior of Sabah, namely Sukau Village. Kinabatangan River. Thumbs up to 20 future leaders of Sukau primary school in Kinabatangan River for they will play an important role in inheriting and educating their families and peers in waste management and execute the REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE concept in their livelihood to sustain the ecosystem of Kinabatangan River for future generation.

Following the success of forest regeneration program, both Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) and Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (BEST Society) continue its tradition with their ongoing tree planting projects. On 18th June 2011, BEST Society has taken the lead to initiate and joint forced with Environmental Action committee Kinabatangan (EAC Kinabatangan), an agency endorsed by the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environmental in organizing half day “Tree Planting and Environmental Education Program” involving these students and 3 teachers of Sukau primary school.

This group of students was enticed by a half day beneficial program from an interactive “biodegradable waste food management” on composting activities at SRL sundeck, to river cleaning along Kinabatangan River, and tree planting at Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor Rehabilitation.

Throughout the program, the children were accompanied by Tuan Hamra Haji Liwangsa, the President of EAC Kinabatangan zone and guided by our SRL Lodge Manager together with SRL staffs. To support this auspicious mission, EAC Kinabatngan has contributed 100 seedlings and soil to BEST Society for its virtuous effort.

In his speech Tuan Hamra express that more of such program can be organized in initiaiting a joint responsibility between the government and the local community. He said “This is very warmth and personalize program, EAC will always support such environmental activities inititated by local NGO that can contribute towards enhancing environmental quality.“

The half day program ends with an educational jungle interpretation at SRL Hornbill Boardwalk and some brain twisting qizzes with prizes for the students.

From composting to river cleaning, planting their own tree and a well interpreted nature walk on the Hornbill Wlakway, the students were awarded a personalized certificate of participation for their proactive involvement in this program. With such educational activities, it is hope that these potential young leaders of Kinabatangan can inspire others in their community to take responsibility. Even small initiatives by them could literally create a significant impact to the sustainability of the world.