STB and WWF-Malaysia Forge Partnership for a Sustainable Sarawak in Rajang-Belawai-Paloh

Kuching, 16 December 2024 – A memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting nature-based and ecotourism packages while supporting the conservation of Sarawak’s vital mangroves and marine mammals is inked today.

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and World Wide Fund for Nature – Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) signed the MoU at WWF-Malaysia’s Sarawak Office here.

The partnership establishes a collaborative framework for the development and promotion of responsible ecotourism. It focuses on WWF-Malaysia’s project areas, particularly the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh delta in Tanjung Manis, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, including mangrove forests and marine mammal species, particularly the Irrawaddy dolphins. The collaboration seeks to balance conservation efforts with community-driven economic development.

“This partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board is a wonderful opportunity to connect conservation with sustainable ecotourism,” said Dr Henry Chan, Conservation Director of WWF-Malaysia. “The Rajang-Belawai-Paloh delta is a unique biodiversity hotspot. Through this collaboration, we hope to foster greater awareness and support sustainable livelihood opportunities that benefit both the environment and the communities who depend on it.”

Key goals of the partnership include:

• Developing nature-based tourism: Developing and testing ecotourism packages that prioritise
  biodiversity while fostering community involvement and sustainable livelihoods.
• Empowering local communities: Enhancing skills and capacity for ecotourism management, with a
  focus on building community-based enterprises.
• Promoting collaborative management: Encouraging cooperation among local communities and
  stakeholders in managing and marketing ecotourism initiatives.
• Raising awareness: Producing communication materials to showcase conservation efforts and
  promote responsible tourism to locals and visitors alike.

The partnership also includes joint activities such as professional training, workshops, and seminars. These
initiatives aim to equip local communities and stakeholders with the skills needed to manage ecotourism
sustainably and responsibly.

“Responsible tourism is central to our vision for Sarawak,” said Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO
of Sarawak Tourism Board. “Our partnership with WWF-Malaysia strengthens our commitment to the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education by empowering local
communities with training and knowledge, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the
development of sustainable ecotourism, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering meaningful
collaborations that benefit both nature and local communities. Together, we aim to safeguard Sarawak’s
unique biodiversity while fostering sustainable economic opportunities for its people.”

The partnership is expected to deliver long-term benefits by boosting ecotourism opportunities and fostering
meaningful collaboration among local communities, stakeholders, and conservationists. By combining
resources and expertise, STB and WWF-Malaysia aim to promote a unified approach to conservation and
sustainable development, ensuring that ecotourism flourishes while safeguarding Sarawak’s natural heritage.