KUCHING (Aug 19): Sarawak’s indigenous people are given unique privileges when it comes to their land, as their rights are honoured and safeguarded even in cases where no formal land grant has been issued, said Datuk Gerawat Gala.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department said the state has
KUCHING: WWF-Malaysia will be organising a two-day event to celebrate indigenous communities who have been championing conservation efforts in Sarawak in conjunction with International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Simca) will now be known as an IUCN Green List Site – the first of its kind in Malaysia, said Reef Guardian, in a statement.
Through the Green List, Simca is now recognised globally as a well-managed Protected Area.
“This historic recognition was announced at the 2nd Asia Parks Congress currently held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC),” said Reef Guardian, a non-profit company appointed by the State Government to manage Simca.
Simca is the first privately managed marine protected area in Malaysia.
Located within the Sulu Sea region, Simca encompasses 46,317 hectares and includes three islands – Lankayan, Billean and Tegaipil.
Simca is home to at least 500 species of fish, 300 species of corals, two species of sea turtles, six species of giant clams and 26 species of seagrass and algae