Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera and Good Afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen, Before I start my speech, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone with a serangkap pantun,
Katak Jantan,
Katak Betina,
Katak Teruna,
Katak Dara,
Salam Sejahtera Pembuka Bicara, Selamat Datang Semua Ke Taman Rimba Sama Jaya.
I am pleased to welcome all to the 10th Bornean Frog Race, held today, 17 June 2023, at the Sama Jaya Nature Reserve. Welcome to the 10th Bornean Frog Race, taking place today at the magnificent Sama Jaya Nature Reserve (SJNR). Today marks an extraordinary occasion for all of us, and we are delighted to continue collaborating with UNIMAS to bring you this event. We are gathered here in this beautiful patch of tropical rainforest, right in the heart of the city, to celebrate the wonders of nature and embark on an exciting adventure of discovery.
A little bit on Sama Jaya Nature Reserve (SJNR). SJNR is a true gem, providing urban dwellers with a rare taste of peaceful tranquillity and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Spanning an impressive area of approximately 38 hectares within the boundaries of Kuching city, this nature reserve offers a sanctuary for both wildlife and humans alike.
Within its lush green embrace, SJNR houses the enchanting Kerangas Forest, a unique ecosystem with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The forest is home to a myriad of fascinating creatures, from mammals to birds, reptiles to amphibians. It is a treasure trove of biodiversity, teeming with life and holding endless opportunities for exploration and education.
For those of us who reside in the urban jungle, SJNR provides an invaluable opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature after a hectic day. Its serene ambience and pristine surroundings offer a respite from the demands of modern life, allowing us to recharge our spirits and find solace in the beauty of the natural world.
We want SJNR to remain green. Thus since 2021, under our rewilding project, we collaborated with SEB to plant trees in this park. As of today, we have planted 2,199 various indigenous species such as ubah, meranti kara, durian, cempedak, terap, engkalak and many more. We hope more corporate organisations, bodies, and donors will come forward to support our green efforts in this park.
Coming soon, there will be another attractive product that we will build in this park. That is a 9m x 16m size pond. This project is expected to complete in the next four (4) months. When completed, we will release some tortoises in this pond. We believe it will be another home for frogs and other animals. Ladies and gentlemen,
We hope events such as Bornean Frog Race will continue to inspire people of all ages to appreciate the beauty of our nature and the diversity of the wildlife in our region. It is crucial to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. Sarawak is blessed with abundant natural resources, and we are responsible for protecting and conserving them for our communities, economy, and planet’s benefit.
People are asking us, why frog? Thus, this year’s event highlights frogs’ crucial role in our ecosystem. Frogs are important indicators of environmental health, and they provide a range of ecological services, such as controlling pests, pollinating plants, and contributing to the food chain. However, many frog species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and other factors. By studying and protecting frogs, we can gain valuable insights into the health of our ecosystems and the impacts of human activities.
One noteworthy collaboration was carried out between SFC and UNIMAS, focusing on the project titled “Mapping and Digitizing Sarawak Bioacoustic and Sound Scape Ecology for Added Value Tourism Attractions.” In this research, our very own frog whisperer, Taha Wahab, joined forces with the UNIMAS team. The outcome of this collaboration resulted in the development of a comprehensive database comprising audio, visual, and detailed information on species recorded, including their locations, time of recording, and meteorological data such as biophony, anthrophony, and geophony. This database not only benefits scientific research but also contributes to the enhancement of sound culture in tourist destinations throughout Sarawak. By recreating the ambience and sense of place, we can provide a value-added tourism experience for ecotourism in Sarawak.
Another upcoming collaboration between SFC and UNIMAS focuses on “Assessing the Correlation of Environment on Amphibians’ Diversity Pattern in Sarawak’s Totally Protected Area.” This project, funded by the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources, aims to identify the environmental factors affecting amphibians and understand how short-term and long-term variations, including climate change, impact species, populations, and assemblages. Through this collaboration, we hope to gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships between the environment and the amphibian species in Sarawak’s protected areas.
These research initiatives exemplify our commitment to scientific exploration and conservation efforts. By partnering with esteemed institutions such as UNIMAS, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change and contribute to the preservation of our precious natural heritage.
The Bornean Frog Race, now celebrating its tenth edition, serves as an essential platform for scientific research and public engagement. This event has captured the imagination of nature lovers, frog enthusiasts, and conservationists alike, making it a highly anticipated gathering each year.
As we celebrate this milestone event, I would like to express my gratitude to UNIMAS for their invaluable contributions in making today’s event happen. This event would not be possible without their support.
I would also like to thank all the organisers, participants & volunteers who have made this event successful. Your passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to conservation are genuinely inspiring, and we are honoured to have you as part of our community.
Before concluding my speech, I would like to share two pantun with everyone today. Lompat Si Katak Lompat, Lompat Riang Ria, Hati-Hati Melompat, Semoga Semua Bersukaria. Katak Jantan, Katak Betina, Begerek Dalam Kebun Bunga, Andai Tersilap Tutur Bicara, Jari Disusun Maaf Dipinta.
I wish all the participants the best of luck in today’s frog race. Thank you, and let’s have a wonderful day at the 10th Bornean Frog Race! Wassalam.