Forest parks for Penang Hill proposed

Forest parks for Penang Hill proposed

IF the proposal is accepted, Penang Hill could see two forest parks being developed in the near future.

Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) strategic development planning committee member Datuk Seri Dr Lim Chong Keat said forest eco-tourism was suitable for the hill which had the potential to be Malaysia’s eco-tourism gateway.

“As a preliminary idea, we would like to have an east and a west forest park.

“The east forest park would be akin to a hilly botanic garden focused on horticultural development of various interesting trees while the west forest park would comprise of three phases of spectacular forests catering to different groups of tourists.

“With the diversity of plants and trees, Penang Hill is the best introduction to Malaysian forests,” he, said adding that a discussion would be held with various stakeholders before a formal proposal was drafted.

Dr Lim was chairing the ‘Eco-tourism Potential of Penang Hill’ talk by one of the world’s treetop canopy walk pioneers, Dr Illar Muul, at the Socio-Economic and Environment Research Institute (Seri) recently.

Dr Lim said the idea was also to re-introduce native wildlife to the hill.

“There used to be slow lorises, pangolins and mousedeer on the hill. We would like to see these animals back in their natural habitat.

“Eco-tourism is a learning curve and the locals themselves must first and foremost be educated.

“To do this, we have to invite well-respected researchers to come here and share their knowledge,” he said.

In his talk, Dr Muul said the Tourism Ministry had done a good job promoting eco-tourism in the country.

“I think the authorities have done more here than in many other places in the world.

“When you talk about eco-tourism, what’s important is that it’s economically and ecologically sustainable,” he said, adding that much of what entertained tourists was educational.

Dr Muul said ironically, poachers made the best tour guides.

“I call them nature’s interpreters because they know so much about the forests and wildlife.

“Tourists don’t want to know about a whole bunch of scientific names — they want to hear interesting stories and poachers have some of the most interesting stories to tell.

“I know a few who have been recruited to become very good nature interpreters,” he said.

Dr Muul also said software development such as training of qualified guides and management staff was crucial.

He added that long-term planning and financial backing were also important.

“Around the world, I see a lot of failed (eco-tourism) projects because they just ran out of money.”

Dr Muul warned against killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

“I visited Penang Hill many years ago and during a recent trip, found it to be still largely intact.

“There’s still much opportunity to study the flora and fauna on the different gradients and Penang Hill is so easily accessible.

“Remember, timber profits are meagre compared to how long it takes for a forest like this to grow.

“Anything you introduce into the forest does some damage so the less intrusive the development, the better when it comes to eco-tourism,” he said.

The two-hour talk was jointly-organised by PHC and Seri.

~News courtesy of The Star~