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WELCOMING THE MILLENNIUM - A CELEBRATION IN THE RAINFOREST
(CONCEPT PAPER)

Introduction

With the approach of a new millennium, preparations are underway in many countries to comme-morate the event in a grand style.Most of the celebrations involve a countdown and include concerts fireworks, cultural shows and other such events and likely to be held in large open areas usually located within or near large cities.

While it is expected that the occasion be greeted with much festivity, some would prefer a more low-key celebration amidst a more natural setting. Furthermore, with increased congestion in cities world-wide, there is an upward trend for people to seek adventure-and eco-tourism. With this in mind, the Malaysian Nature Society in collaboration with TropBio Forest Sdn. Bhd. has developed a concept for a Millennium Celebration that will appeal to this growing tourist market.

The idea is to celebrate the dawn of the millennium in a tropical rainforest, taking advantage of Malaysia's unique and rich natural heritage. Malaysian forests possess an exciting range of unique features that run from coastal to montane forests that include the highest mountain in S. E. Asia. Today, it is estimated that about 1.4 million hectares of Malaysian forests have been protected as national or state parks as well as wildlife reserves. However, their eco-tourism potential have yet to be fully realised. There is also room for improvement in our efforts in promoting the awareness and appreciation of our forests. The event will hopefully play a significant role towards this end.

Objective

The objective of the Rainforest Millenium Celebration is to: promote appreciation and conservation of tropical rainforests by highlighting the undisturbed natural areas with their wealth of flora and fauna; mark the dawn of the millennium with a call for the present and future generations to continue with efforts to promote the appreciation and conservation of rainforests; and promote Malaysian forests as a premier eco-tourism destination.

Organisation

The principle organiser of the event would be the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), a non-profit Non-Governmental Organisation (or NGO), which has extensive experience and know-how in the field of nature conservation and education. TropBio Forest Sdn. Bhd. (TF), a private company with expertise in forest management, would manage the event on MNS' behalf. TF would market the event within Malaysia and internationally and source the relevant manpower and other resources required. MNS' expertise would be sought in developing the technical aspects of the event, particularly in drawing up nature education modules and in identifying and preparing suitable sites for the event.

In line with the aims of the event, a substantial percentage of the profits would be channeled to relevant charity and non-profit organisations involved in promoting environment conservation.

Strategy

Participants will be able to choose from among the following proposed locations:

As the objective is to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the number of participants per site would be limited to lessen the impact on the environment. A maximum number of 30 participants is proposed for each site. Participants are expected to comprise mainly of eco-tourists, nature enthusiasts, scientists, foresters and journalists.

Activities to be carried out during the celebration would include (but would not be limited to):

Publicity

Publicity for the event will be generated through:

  1. Established adventure and eco-tour agencies in Malaysia and targeted regions of the world;
  2. Brochures to be distributed in selected tourist information centres, hotels and eco-tourism sites;
  3. The mass media;
  4. An official website for the event; and
  5. Participation in established tourism marts and exhibitions.

Conclusion

The 21st century promises many new and exciting developments; many of us view the new millennium as the arrival of the technological age. However, this fascination with human achievements should be tempered with an appreciation of Nature's creations. One way of achieving this is through greater awareness of the inter-relationship between Man and Nature. The Rainforest Millenium Celebration is an innovative and unique way of achieving this objective while at the same time promote Malaysia as a premier eco-tourism destination.


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Created on 19th Dec 1998. Last modified on