kUCHING: Fifteen interns of the first ever Conservation Internship Programme (CIP) graduated yesterday after completing the ninemonth programme.
Twelve were present to receive their certificate while three more have already begun serving with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC). Gracing the presentation ceremony was the Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datu Len Talif Salleh.
In his speech, Len stated that with the knowledge acquired during the programme, the interns should be recognised as rangers.
“CIP is a strategic investment to our young graduates to enhance conservation effort and we want to educate and impart our knowledge to them. “This programme is integrated with all the necessary elements such as the understanding on the biodiversity and timber industry in Sarawak, the knowledge of laws and policies and also the management of skills of forest operation.
“Therefore, students who plan a career path in conservation and are willing to make a long-term commitment,” said Len during the ceremony held at Hilton Hotel. He also said that the programme should be expanded as long as they are collaborative efforts between SFC, the state government and other institutions and NGOs to fund the CIP.
“The programme is fully funded by SFC and costing RM400,000 for nine months. “We are planning to increase the number of interns to participate with CIP while also introducing a syllabus in the programme that could enable the participants to serve as Tour Guides.”
Meanwhile, Acting CEO of SFC, Zolkipli Mohamad Aton disclosed that the second batch of CIP will be initiated in April this year and will be held at a different national park. This year it was held at Bako National Park. “We want to see whether they are ready to commit themselves with the programme and is equipped mentally to be recognised as SFC rangers,” said Len
