PADAWAN: The Bio-Geodiversity Youth Camp in Kampung Sadir has been described as a vital platform to nurture young leaders, instill environmental awareness, and foster responsibility for the conservation of forests and heritage.
Forest Department Sarawak’s Acting Director, Happysupina Sait, said the programme was not only a learning experience but also a platform for youths to work alongside communities and agencies in shaping a sustainable future.
“Kampung Sadir was selected as the venue as it lies within the Sarawak Delta Geopark and is part of the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) project implemented by the department,” he said when officiating the camp at SK St Bernard, Kampung Sadir, here today.
The camp brought together 30 youths from Kampung Sadir along with students from SMK Padawan, SK St Bernard Sadir and SK Taba Sait, engaging them in educational, leadership and ecological awareness activities.
Happysupina highlighted that the Sarawak Delta Geopark not only boasts unique geological value but also plays a key role in conserving biological and cultural heritage, while creating opportunities for research, education and sustainable community development.
He revealed that on September 5 to 6 this year, the Sarawak Delta Geopark was officially accepted as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network during the 10th UNESCO Global Geopark Council Meeting in Chile.
The official declaration is expected to take place next year at the Asia Pacific Geopark Network Symposium 2027 in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, following endorsement by the UNESCO Global Geopark Executive Board.
“This recognition is highly significant as it demonstrates that Sarawak’s geological, biological, cultural and traditional values are now acknowledged on the global stage.
“Youths must be prepared to rise to the challenge of becoming agents of change and guardians of the state’s forests, rivers and geological heritage,” he stressed.
Happysupina further said the initiative is in line with the state government’s policy under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg through the principle of Community-Based Green Development as outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
