Kota Kinabalu: Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) has stepped up its conservation efforts by hosting a scientific exploration in the Taliwas River Conservation Area (TRCA) to promote TRCA as a well-known research and tourist destination in Sabah.
TRCA is 36km from Lahad Datu and 45km from the Danum Valley Conservation Area’s eastern end. It includes the Segama River Forest Reserve, which is next to the Sepagaya Forest Reserve (containing Silam Hill) and the Dara Kawang-Gibong Forest Reserve, and covers a unique lowland and ultramafic forest region of 9,546 hectares.
On May 10, 2012, this area was upgraded to a Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve and added to the management area of the Danum Valley Management Committee.
“Yayasan Sabah Group took the initiative to conduct this TRCA scientific exploration to study the biodiversity, natural resources and potential of TRCA in order to formulate development plans and conservation activities in the area,” said Yayasan Sabah Director and Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman Dato’ Sri Gulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar.
“This scientific exploration will take place from June 7 to 17 and will be divided into five primary topics: physical science, flora diversity, fauna diversity, social science and resource utilisation,” he said during the exploration’s flag-off ceremony at the Podium, Menara Tun Mustapha, here, Tuesday.
“The information gathered during this exploration is critical in developing TRCA’s strategic management plan. Researchers, research assistants and YSG workers as support staff made up a total of 166 participants in this investigation,” he said.
In other words, this scientific investigation is emphasising conservation and preservation in order to improve the effectiveness of the country’s forest biodiversity resources management, protection and development in a sustainable manner.
“I am convinced that this exploration will yield a number of noteworthy discoveries, including new species of flora and fauna,” he said.
To ensure the smooth running of the programme, an organising committee was formed, with YSG as the main organiser, as well as participation from various government departments and non-governmental organisations such as the Sabah Forestry Department, Wildlife Department, WWF-Malaysia, Sabah Parks and educational institutions such as University Malaysia Sabah and University Technology Mara.
He expressed gratitude to the departments and institutions that worked together to make this exploration a success.
“We hope to continue working together in the future. We wish you success in conducting research in this exploration and generating a successful study,” he said to the participants.
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