Trans Borneo Run creates awareness of nature conservation

KUCHING: A project called ‘ Trans Borneo Run 2018’ has been started by a German citizen to raise awareness of nature conservation and preservation of Borneo’s rich biodiversity, yesterday.

The project targets 1,500km to be run across Borneo.

Malaysians must come in and do something. It’s always a small group of people who are active in doing something (natural conservation) but every action counts. Andreas Bussinger, German runner

According to the project website, the large scale transformation of Borneo’s rainforest to industrial agriculture by logging was one of catalysts to the run formation.

Talking at Basaga Holiday Residence here yesterday, the runner - Andreas Bussinger - said he’s on track to meet the target as 1,300km had already been run so far.

He said the environmental impacts of human actions concerned him greatly, and the epidemic of plastic pollutions could be seen in every country he visited.

Bussinger and his family have travelled to 26 countries with their camper van.

“I was just shocked to see the scale of it (the pollution),” he said.

However, he believed that environmental pollutions were human made and it’s only logical that human develop solutions for them.

He added that human behaviours and political interests were some of the major factors that affect environmental awareness.

“There is a need for political decisions to be made (on nature conservation).”

On the local nature conservation scene, he said not enough efforts and enforcements were being put in place to preserve the natural environment. “Malaysians must come in and do something. “It’s always a small group of people who are active in doing something (natural conservation) but every action counts.”

On the challenges throughout the run, he said the hot weather, traffic conditions, dogs and safety issues were some of the challenges that he faced.

“I usually run 30 to 40km every day but it’s very very hot here,” he said about the local weather.

On a happier note, he said he was overwhelmed by the warm hospitality he received in all countries travelled to, and he tried to channel the positivity into the run.

“We experience so much love and kindness and it just give you so much power,” he said.

This project will work in partnership with environmental organisations in Borneo to put the fund raised by the Trans Borneo Run to effective and immediate use.

Members of the public interested to know more about the project can log on to www.transborneorun.org, Trans Borneo Run Facebook page or email at transborneorun@ gmail.com