TUESDAY, 12 AUGUST – The existence of Junior Rangers inspired by the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) gave an idea to participants of the Third Country Training Programme (TCTP) to see how children can help in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.According to RDC Research Officer, Bernadette D. Joeman, the idea of having Junior Rangers is to curb misconduct and act of vandalism among youths and children to the natural ecosystem.
“The existence of the Junior Rangers successfully prevented the spread of vandalism, which is often done by primary school students when they were educated on the importance of forest ecosystems for wildlife,” she added.
Meanwhile, a participant from Myanmar, Zaw Win said the idea of having Junior Rangers was very good as it involved the future generation.
“I find the idea very interesting and relevant to be adopted. I thought of proposing this idea to the government of Myanmar,” he added.
Zaw added, besides Junior Rangers, the involvement of youths as volunteers can also play an important role in the conservation of bio and ecosystems.
RDC is an environmental education facility operated by Sabah Forestry Department to create awareness and appreciation on the importance of forest conservation and sustainable use of forest resources.
TCTP organised by the Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) in collaboration with the State Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently being held to provide opportunities for developing countries to see Malaysia’s capabilities in biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. – ZMD (fl)
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