Sep 2001 Newsletter
Thumbs up for Perak State on Parks Corporation Enactment
After many years of deliberation and discussion with various parties and agencies and the amount of obstacles faced, the Perak State Parks Enactment has finally been approved. The Malaysian Nature Society is proud of the State's move and applauds its Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri diRaja Mohd. Tajol Rosli Ghazali and his cabinet for having the interest of the entire nation at heart. The bill will help pave the way for the establishment of the Belum State Park and many other establishments for preservation and management of wildlife and natural resources throughout the state.
This move proves without a shadow of doubt, that the Perak state government is indeed serious in conserving and preserving its natural heritage despite the fact that their move invited opposition from many shortsighted quarters. Forests as rich and diverse as the Belum Forest Reserve is of great value to the entire nation and should be preserved. The State's move to protect it from further development would surely go down history as the Belum Forest Reserve is one of the last remaining untouched virgin forests in the country
The Belum Forest Reserve is home to large concentrations of larger mammals such as elephants, tigers, gaurs, rhinos, tapirs, bears etc. They are also home to various other flora and fauna including, insects, fish, and scores of plants many of which are rare and threatened. Belum is one of 29 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the country, home to thousands of hornbills and various other protected and endemic bird species.
With large tracks of forest, especially lowland forest being logged and turned into plantations, protected forests such as a National or State Park are essential for the conservation of the nation's biodiversity. Most animals, especially large mammals, have large home ranges and thus need large tracks of forest to survive. The Belum State Park will further enhance and conserve the link between the Endau-Rompin Forest in the south, Taman Negara in the center and the existing protected areas in Thailand in the north. In turn, this will preserve the transboundary distribution of genetic material of flora and fauna from north to south.
Large forest such as the Belum and Temenggor Forest Reserve are essential as water catchments for downstream developments and populations. They also serve as important carbon sinks and local weather regulators, maintaining the constant temperature and humidity of the surrounding areas.
The Society however hopes that the State would be wise in its development planning for the park, as it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that there is minimal damage and disturbance to the virtually uncharted forests. The state government should draw up a policy framework to effectively manage the lush untouched habitat of Belum and see to it that the gazettment is honored. The policy framework has to take into consideration matters relating to finance, legislation, and management. Where needed existing laws may need revision if the objectives of protected areas are not spelt out clearly.
Belum has been described as an "open museum in a natural environment" and a prized heartland that can be turned into a research, education and conservation area. The Perak State Tourism Masterplan too, has identified Belum and Temenggor as potential tourist destinations. Its unspoiled charm has the potential of eco-tourism, an industry that is growing tremendously worldwide. Nevertheless, its integrity and incredible biodiversity has to be retained in order to remain an attraction.
The Society has confidence, after all the scientific work it has carried out in this area, that the State would manage the Belum State Park well. If invited, the Society is willing to work with the State in planning and management of the Belum State Park. Again, MNS would like to congratulate Perak State and the Menteri Besar Datuk Seri diRaja Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali, for their foresight in the conservation of Belum and many other forested areas for Malaysia's future generations.
Dato' Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor
President