A VISIT TO ITBC BY
MEMBERS OF NATURE & HUMAN ORGANIZATION,
A HYOGO MUSEUM JAPAN VOLUNTEERS

by: Alona C. Linatoc and Daniel Pamin

A group of 11 Japanese, all members of the "Nature & Human" organization visited the Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation on 8 - 9 September 2004 as part of their one week visit to Sabah. This organization which emphasized on volunteerism was established on 1994 and based in Hyogo prefecture. Its aim to contribute toward construction of harmonic society between nature and human being through public awareness activities, working closely together with Hyogo Museum and other public institutions.

During their first day visit to the Institute, this group had shared their knowledge with the ITBC staffs by giving them a hands-on lesson on how to make embedded specimens using insects, making bookmarks using naturally pressed flowers and postcards out of empty milk cartons. In the evening, special programme with children of KESUMBA (Housewives and Women's Club of UMS) had been conducted, which this group taught the children on how to make bookmarks using a leaf vein specimens and origami of the Japanese art of folding paper. Souvenirs item from Japan also were given out to the children by the members of the "Nature & Human" organization to appreciate their involvement in this programme.

On the second day, this group had presented talks to the ITBC staffs and students. The first presentation was given by Mr. Isao Adachi entitled "Educational activities and the Museum Teacher of Hyogo Museum". In his talk, he explained in detail what are the role of museum teachrs and how the educational activities being conducted with the assistance from Hyogo Museum. The second presentation entitled "NGO of Museum volunteer and its activities on Environmental Education" was presented by Mr. Shoji Hamada. In his presentation, he mentioned about the "Nature and Human" organization and how they conducted voluntary work and its activities on environmental education.

After visited the ITBC, this group headed to Danum Valley Conservation Area as this would be their first ever experience visiting the primary forest. This group also would be visiting Sukau Kinabatangan before going back home to Japan.