Formadat seeks state support for eco challenge
KUCHING: The Alliance of the Indigenous Peoples in the Highlands of Borneo ( Formadat) recently had a fruitful working visit here in its bid to obtain support from the state government for the upcoming Heart of Borneo Eco Challenge II.
Among the activities undertaken by the Formadat delegation from Bario, Ba Kelalan and Long Semadoh during the visit to Kuching included a courtesy cal l on Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin which was led by its national chairman Penghulu George Sigar.
During the meeting, Lee said the ministry welcomed the alliance’s efforts to promote the Heart of Borneo Eco Challenge II which is a niche ecotourism product in the highlands, and hoped that the highlanders would benefit from this event, particularly those who are operating home stays as well as working as nature guides, porters and transporters.
He also pointed out that the ministry would help Formadat to promote the event on Sarawak Tourism Board’s website.
Apart from Lee, the Formadat delegation also paid courtesy calls on Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Sarawak Forest Department director Sapuan Ahmad, Sarawak Museum director Ipoi Datan, State Immigration Department deputy director Hamfatullah Syawal, Ministry of Tourism and Culture state director Suriya Charles Buas as well as Indonesia’s consul- general in Kuching Jahar Gultom to seek assistance and support from these agencies to ensure a smooth event.
Meanwhile, the Heart of Borneo Eco Challenge II which is organised by Formadat, will take place from July 20 to 29.
The challenge is not a competition but an ecotourism event that relives history, culture and stewardship of nature in the highlands.
It offers six trails to cater to the different interests of jungle trekkers. For hardcore jungle trekkers, the Heart of Borneo trail ( ten days, nine nights) is recommended as the adventure starts with a journey to Sipitang, Sabah and ends in Bario after crossing the neighbouring highlands of Long Semadoh, Ba’ Kelalan, Sarawak and Long Bawan, Kalimantan on foot, boat and four- wheel drive vehicle. This is the longest trail and ends in Bario on the first day of Pesta Nukenen Bario Food and Cultural Festival.
For those who are pressed for time, they can opt for shorter trails such as the Jungle Exploration trail( five days, four nights), or Chillaxing In The Highlands trail ( six days, five nights).
The challenge is now open for registration. The event aims to promote the importance of conservation in the highlands and to preserve its history, nature and culture.
The concept of ‘ treading lightly, take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’ is core to the event.
Those who wish to participate can enjoy the early bird price if they register before April 30.
For more information on the challenge, v is it www.formadat.com, www.facebook.com/ hob eco challenge or email ecochallenge@ formadat.com.