Imbak Canyon Learning Centre to be centre of excellence for tropical rainforests

From left: Jamalul Kiram, PETRONAS Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, Mohd Shafie and Chairman of PETRONAS and Yayasan PETRONAS Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh enjoying the scenic Imbak Waterfall.

KOTA KINABALU: The Imbak Canyon Learning Centre (ICSC) is poised to be a centre of excellence in tropical rainforest research, education and capacity building with an emphasis on Malaysian participation and contribution.

ICSC was initiated from the collaboration between Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) and Petronas, which began in 2010 to develop the area as a basic learning centre in biodiversity conservation for local communities.

In 2014, Petronas contributed RM77mil to YSG to realise the ICSC construction project covering an area of 27ha.

“With the facilities available at ICSC, it will be able to accommodate more visitors and researchers at any one time,” said Sabah Foundation director Datuk Jamalul Kiram Mohd Zakaria.

“This is in view of the strategic location of the Imbak Canyon near Tongod, Telupid and Pinangah and it is the gateway to the vast Ulu Kinabatangan area.

“The construction of ICSC will open more jobs and business opportunities for communities living within the vicinity of the Imbak Canyon area, especially in the field of hospitality, research, tourism and rangering,” he said at the opening ceremony of ICSC in the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) here Tuesday (March 26).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal was also present at the event.

Jamalul Kiram added that the venture has indirectly proven the close cooperation between YSG and Petronas on conservation efforts as well as the social development of Tongod and its residents, and Sabah in general.

He said that among the key achievements of this collaboration was the establishment of the Imbak Canyon Porters and Guides Association, whose membership comprise village youths living within Imbak Canyon and Tongod.

“The association was established with the aim of developing the capacity of youth by providing porter and guide services for visitors to Imbak Canyon,” he said.

-thestar online.

http://imbakcanyon-borneo.com.my