SFC mulls developing crocodile-based ecotourism products

SIBU: Sarawak Forestry Corporation ( SFC) is exploring the possibility of developing crocodile- based ecotourism products modelled on practices in Australia and USA.

SFC chief executive officer Datu Ali Yusop said this initiative could balance the ecosystem and provide economic gains via tourism, logistics and hospitality industries.

“Our estuarine crocodile populations have recovered tremendously though our conservation programme is becoming a ‘nuisance’.

“What we hope to do is to get people to benefit from coexistence with the crocodiles. That is the challenge because people see the reptile as a problem.

“We want the people to look

What we hope to do is to get people to benefit from coexistence with the crocodiles. That is the challenge because people see the reptile as a problem. Datu Ali Yusop, SFC chief executive officer

at crocodiles as an attraction and to gain benefit from them like the people in Australia and Louisiana, USA where they see the reptile as economic resources,” he told reporters when met at ‘ Borneo Crocodile Forum 2014’ here yesterday.

SFC chairman Datu Dr Yusoff Hanifah officiated at the forum.

A total of 24 working papers are being presented in the threeday forum which ends on June 12.

Ali said in Kuching there were now a number of companies that had already initiated crocodile watch in their tourism package.

“In Sibuti, there is a homestay package that also offers river cruising in the evening to watch crocodiles,” he said.

He also said they could emulate a crocodile farm in Langkawi, Kedah that has crocodile show for visitors.

“In Sabah, there is a restaurant serving crocodile meat which means the industry is not just about tourism but also involves crocodile harvesting for its meat,” he said.

Crocodile Specialist Group chairman Prof Dr Grahame Webb presented a working paper on ‘Management – Current Issues and Scenarios’ at the forum yesterday.