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UMS Signs LoI with SBWA As Effort to Contribute to Sustainable Birding Tourism for Rural Communities
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Sabah Bird Watcher Association (SBWA) as both parties were keen to cement the on-going collaboration in a signing ceremony at UMS Campus.
The Dean of Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy (FBEA), UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rahimie Abdul Karim signed on behalf of UMS, while the President of SBWA, Ron Pudin signed on behalf of SBWA.
According to a statement by Director of Borneo Tourism Research Centre (BTRC), at FBEA, UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Balvinder Kaur Kler, BTRC has supported the activities of SBWA since it was registered in September 2022.
“Among the collaboration between BTRC and SBWA is both parties and other partners hosted a five-day Shorebird workshop with international participants in 2022, and a Raptor workshop in 2023.
“These courses were led by expert field ornithologists and provided Continuous Tourism Related Education (CTRE) points for registered tour guides.
“SBWA members have also been invited to share their both knowledge of birding as a hobby and birdwatching tourism as a niche market with UMS tourism students,” said Balvinder.
She added that SBWA was working closely with the local tourism authorities to engage rural communities in nature conservation by encouraging the development of birdwatching activities for its economic potential.
“SBWA hopes to expand birding as a healthy, outdoor activity for families and for the youth of Sabah as some of Borneo’s endemic birds are at the doorstep.
“Borneo is home to 688 bird species, 66 of which are endemic to the island and six of which can only be found in Sabah, so both parties are excited about future collaborations which will draw on UMS experts across disciplines who are able to contribute to sustainable birding tourism for rural communities,” she said.
Balvinder also noted that BTRC has participated at the 12th Asian Bird Fair and will also be participating this weekend at the ‘Winged Wonders’ birding event hosted by Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Reserve, where the schedule includes a bird race, exhibitions, talks and plenty of activities for children.
“Birdwatching is already a high yield niche market in Sabah attracting international tourists, but there remains immense untapped potential for birdwatching for example as an activity for schoolchildren, youths or as a family activity.
“Birdwatching is a suitable hobby for the people of Sabah, but there is a need to spread awareness of the immense educational and conservation values inherent within this activity.
“Birdwatching is a healthy hobby in the outdoors which could strengthen social bonding, well-being and develop an awareness of bird conservation,” said Balvinder.
Also present at the meeting was SBWA Treasurer, Samson Shak, and SBWA Exco, Albert Aseh.