HELPING THE NATURE THROUGH GEOPARK CONSERVATION PROGRAMME HELLO ENVIRONMENT!

Langkawi, 19th March 2022 – Tunku Temenggong Kedah, YTM Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah advised Malaysians including Langkawi community to continue preserving and conserving the sustainability of nature.

According to her, Langkawi is a precious gift of nature for its priceless beauty. The recognition as Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGGp) or Southeast Asia’s geopark resource centre should be well used so that Langkawi could continue creating legacies on a global stage.

“I hope that sustainability programmes and campaigns like this could be continuously organised not only by the government. Participation of NGOs and local community is also highly crucial to prove that LUGGp is always committed in preserving its geological heritage sites,” said her to the media during the launching of this programme.

“Focus should be given to this legendary island so that efforts in promoting Langkawi as world’s ecotourism destination are welcomed with great response, therefore attracting high value tourists to visit this Jewel of Kedah,” added her.

In the same programme, YTM Tunku Temenggong also extended her gratitude to Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) as the organiser of Helping The Nature Geopark Conservation Programme: Hello Environment!. This event was co-organised by several agencies in Langkawi including Public Works Department (JKR), Langkawi District and Land Office, E-Idaman, and a few more.

“LADA and Langkawi community are honoured to have YTM Tunku Temenggong Kedah as the Royal Patron of LUGGp for the launching of this geopark conservation programme. I am very pleased today seeing how all 150 participants had successfully completed the 25 kilometre-distance Nature Fun Ride. The chosen route passes through villages and countryside with community halls that could be used as pit stops as well as Recycle and Redeem (RnR) and Recycle for Life (R4L) by the locals. This initiative is managed LADA’s collaborative partner E-Idaman,” said YBrs. Tuan Wan Kamarul Faisal bin Wan Kamardin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Planning and Development) of LADA.

He also explained that this Hello Environment! Programme has two more main events. The first one is GeoCoral/Marine Programme for coral reef conservation in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Kubang Badak BioGeotrail areas which will be held twice a year. Meanwhile, the second one is Mountain Climbing Expedition Programme scheduled to be held four times a year to improve participants’ knowledge on the geosites that they visit.

“We are also taking this opportunity to encourage everyone to care for the nature and avoid pollutions. In any sustainability and conservation programme, LADA does not encourage the use of plastic bags or polystyrene as they are detrimental to the environment. Let us strive to foster awareness on transforming Langkawi into Malaysia’s first low carbon island,” he further continued.

LADA had also recently celebrated its 32nd anniversary on last 15th March 2022, featuring this Hello Environment! Programme as part of the outlined activities for this celebration. Overall, 16 programmes have been scheduled to take place from 15th until 31st March 2022 with the involvement of various parties including industry players, community, LADA staff, and public as well as private agencies.