Representatives from STB, MyCar, and Sarawak Energy Bhd join Sharzede (third from left) in planting the first tree to mark the start of the ecoGreen Planet initiative at the reserve.
Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu, Sarawak, will be even greener with the planting of 2,000 saplings of five tree species by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
In a press statement, STB announced that this initiative fulfils a five-year memorandum of understanding with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to plant 10,000 trees by 2027.
“This commitment supports STB’s mission of advocating sustainability and responsible tourism, and contributes to carbon offsetting efforts,” it said.
STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor said the tourism board’s goal was to ensure a greener future.
She said the tree-planting activity was part of a five-year greening programme through ecoGreen Planet.
The programme targets the planting of 35 million trees in Sarawak, an effort that began on May 27 last year.
“During the 2024 Rainforest World Music Festival, STB introduced the Green Ruai, a building powered entirely by solar energy, to showcase green technologies and sustainable farming practices.
“This initiative highlighted STB’s leadership in eco-friendly event management and responsible tourism,” said Sharzede.
She added that by integrating sustainable practices into the festivals it organises, STB was setting a benchmark for responsible tourism in the region.
Bukit Lima Nature Reserve, which opened in 2001, is located in the midst of Kampung Sentosa resettlement, in the heart of Sibu.
Its peat swamp forest environment makes it popular for conservation activities and recreational visitors.
It is famous for its jungle trails and suitable for forest walks as well as jogging.
With 5.7km of walk paths, the park enables visitors to experience a peat swamp forest and enjoy interacting with nature. — By ANDY CHUA
