News and Events 2005

For the previous events please refer to the News and Events [2002] [2003 | 2004]

Workshop on Learning Through Friends of the Environment

A workshop on Learning Through Friends of the Environment was organized on 24 - 25 May 2005 at the Likas Square, Kota Kinabalu. About 44 teachers from primary and secondary schools, from 22 districts of Sabah attended the workshop. 6 members of Public Awareness Component and Mr. Kobayashi, the short-term advisor on Environmental Tool, were involved as facilitators during the workshop. The main objective of the workshop is to teach in class on environmental education using the new workbook that has been produced.

Interpreter Course

An interpreter course was successfully organized by PAC and REC at the ITBC, UMS on 18 May 2005. The main objective of the course is to enjoy learning from each other on environment. About 47 participants from various organizations including government organizations, NGOs and journalists attended the course. Mr. Takeshi Kobayashi the short term advisor on Environmental Education was the main facilitator during the course.

Launching Ceremony of "Environment Journalism Workshop Proceedings"

The launching ceremony for the publication of Environment Journalism Workshop Proceedings was organized on 30 April 2005 at the State Secretary Office, Wisma Innoprise, Teluk Likas, Kota Kinabalu. The proceeding is the BBEC 's publication number 44.

Produced Tool on Environmental Education

Public Awareness Component together with Habitat Management Component and JOCV have produced a tool on Environmental Education in VCD form, which is called "Mencari Kawan Baru". The tool has been produced and evaluated during the BBEC International Conference 2005. The launching ceremony was held at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu by the Lahad Datu District Education Officer, Tuan Haji Suharti Hj. Lassudang on 23 April 2005.

Field Trip to Oxbow Lake No. 117, Sugut, Beluran

The Developers Task Force together with Non-environment NGOs Task Force and Journalists Task Force, under the Public Awareness Component have jointly organized a study tour to Oxbow Lake in Sugut, Beluran on 29 - 30 March 2005. The aim of the field trip was to obtain information on the management and conservation of an Oxbow Lake, which is located within the jurisdiction of IJM Plantation Bhd, a company involved in planting oil palm. 15 members of the task foces involved in the field trip.

The New Chief Advisor for BBEC

On 18 March 2005, Mr. Ryuji Matsunaga has started his job as the new Chief Advisor for BBEC Programme replacing Mr. Takahisa Kusano. A very good welcome to Mr. Matsunaga and we would like to express our sincere appreciation to Mr. Kusano for his contribution to BBEC and to Sabah.

Environment Conservation Workshop for Policy Makers

Policy Makers Task Force, under the Public Awareness Component, which is headed by Puan Fatimah Jaafar conducted a workshop on "Environment Conservation Workshop for Policy Makers" at Pusat Sejadi Hutan Lipur, Kawang on 18 March 2005. It was an effort to increase awareness on environment among policy makers in Sabah. The workshop was participated by the JKKKs and committee members of villages around Crocker Range Park and technical departments officers attached to the District Office of Papar, Penampang and Beaufort.

Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition 2005

The Maliau Basin Scientific Expedition 2005 was held on 25 February to 24 March 2005. The expedition was jointly organized by ITBC, UMS; Sabah Foundation and JICA. The objectives of the expedition are :

• To further inventory flora and fauna of the area and assessing the potential values of the area for conservation purpose.
• Active participation would be needed to recognize:
  a. long term research for Maliau Basin.
  b. threats and conservation strategies.
  c. values of living components.

About 50 participants from UMS, UST, Sabah Park, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Foundation involved in the expedition.

Third BBEC International Conference 2005

The 3rd BBEC International Conference 2005 was held at Pan Pacific Sutera Habour Hotel on 22 - 24 February 2005. The objectives of the conference are :

• To mainstream biodiversity conservation efforts in Sabah, Borneo and ASEAN
• To learn international experiences on mainstreaming biodiversity conservation
• To report progress of activities and other relevant projects in Sabah to international audiences

A total of 32 papers were presented during the conference where the presenters were varies from local and international like Japan, Kenya, Thailand, Indonesia, Philipines, Papua New Guinea. A forum on "How to make Biodiversity Conservation As A Way Of Life" was held during the last day of the conference.