Sarawak reef ball project signifies commitment to maintaining marine eco-balance

BINTULU (Aug 11): The ‘Reef Ball’ project in Sarawak has a significantly positive impact on marine biodiversity by way of providing new habitats for many marine species including corals, algae and fish.

In this respect, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang said the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had agreed to the implementation of the second phase of this project.

“This is important for ecological balance and also to ensure a continuous supply of our fisheries resources,” he said at the start of Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC)’s ‘Stakeholder Engagement Session under the People’s Project for Reef Ball and Community-Based Ecotourism Programme – Bintulu Waters’ at Bintulu Kidurong Club yesterday.

Pang said under the project, more than 329,000 square metres of new surfaces for marine life could be established.

He also pointed out that the Sarawak government was accorded the international recognition by the Reef Ball Foundation USA last year, for creating the world’s longest artificial barrier reef, namely the 746km stretch along Sarawak’s coastline from Tanjung Datu to Lawas.

He hailed this as ‘a great achievement’, in that it demonstrated the commitment towards the conservation and economic potential in terms of ecotourism and sustainable fisheries.

Pang also said the SFC session was aimed at raising the awareness among all communities of Sarawak government’s objectives in implementing the second phase of Sarawak Reef Ball Project, and also at inviting the community to participate in sustainable marine ecosystem management through the reef ball project.

Also present yesterday was the SFC deputy general manager (management) Japanie Bujang.