KUCHING: Researchers in the state need to be ready to come up with ideas or be innovators of the latest knowledge and technology, said Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
“We need to get away from the comfort zones of relying on the current research and technology we are practising now in order to move forward onto the high level impact research on biodiversity conservation and development.
“Impactful research has the potential to improve the world we live in, improve our health, develop our laws, inform our policy makers, invent new technology and boost quality of life.
“Researchers also need to come up with ways to identify the kind of research Sarawak needs to move forward in these areas,” he said.
He said this when officiating at a seminar on the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Scientific Expedition to the Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve here on Tuesday (Aug 2).
Len Talif also said recently the state government emphasised on orchid research and had approved RM5 million for the establishment of an orchid garden as a research platform for orchids in the state.
“This marks a milestone in orchid research and its development either for species that are endemic to Sarawak or Borneo in general for conservation or commercialisation,” he said.
Commenting on the Scientific Expedition to Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve, he said it is crucial in the effort to strengthen the state’s capabilities in managing the forest.
“Hence, researchers and officers are urged to utilise findings and records of data and information as a basis for identifying research activities or programmes that need to be prioritised in the conservation effort of Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve.
“The expedition is also to complement the various researches and studies that has been carried out in the reserve and surrounding areas such as on flora and fauna, ecotourism and social forestry,” he said.
He pointed out that the theme of the scientific expedition is “Where Science and Nature Unites”, an important task to explore and conduct studies.
“This is through our observation, identification, description, experimentation, investigation and theoretical explanation of the phenomenon occurring in our nature in our effort to protect our biodiversity and to maintain it for future generations,” he said.
Len Taliff added that the seminar gathers valuable scientific data and information to be used to plan a strategy for conservation efforts in the area.
“The knowledge might direct them towards using the species for local economic and social development,” he said.
“There may be more ideas to deliberate and discuss by the seminar participants about the road ahead in the management of Gunung Pueh Forest Reserve. Let us hear from them during the seminar,” he said.
