Lawas, Thursday, 13 May 2010 – SARAWAK FORESTRY today draw a close to its 3 days 2 nights environmental education camp, NATURE 'n U themed Marine Conservation at Kuala Lawas.  Participated by 50 secondary school students around Lawas, the well known signature education programme by Sarawak Forestry adopts unique theme relevant to locations where it is organised.  Last year, NATURE 'n U themed Cave Xplorer brought students at Bau area to climb Gunung Kapow and explore Wind Cave, at the same time learned about its ecological system and wildlife.

Datuk Amar Hj. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Planning and Resource Management II and Minister of Public Utilities in his closing speech highlighted Kuala Lawas biodiversity richness such as mangrove forests and peat swamp forests near its coastline, primate species such as proboscis monkey, silvered leaf monkey and other.  Awang Tengah said "Its clear to us that what we have here, especially habitats along Kuala Lawas river system is still intact, thus making it a prime habitat for these primates.  We are lucky in a sense that from land to our sea, we are blessed with amazing wild life.  This should make us proud as we are the custodian of these natural treasure trove".  His speech was read by Yang Berhormat Dato Henry Sum Agong, Parliamentary Member, P. 222 Lawas.
He also cited example of Kaikoura, New Zealand which has positioned itself as a tourist attraction from all over the world due to its dolphin watching packages.  Similarly, such tourist attraction can be introduced and developed at Kuala Lawas to become a "tourism magnet" especially in niche market. 

He also reminded "In whatever activities conducted the key phrase is 'sustainability', whereby when embarking and seizing opportunities that involve interaction with wild life in its natural surroundings, we have to remain respectful and not lose our sense of direction".  Therefore, he said accordingly guidelines and regulations governing such activities shall be abided by because the purpose of its implementation is to maintain environment integrity and providing protection to marine life.

"With the degradation of family system and race for modernisation, we are producing individualistic individuals which is self-absorbed in his or her own world.  We are rapidly losing touch living in extended family unit and act as a community".  He added, now, the 'kampung' way of living is scarce.  "Close-knit family values that we used to hold dear are just a thing of the past.  However, fortunately for us still living in villages near Lawas, we are still rich in our spirit of togetherness and most of everyone here, I believe knows one another.  This is a special relationship or bond that I hope will not diminish overtime" he added.

Datu Hj. Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Resource Management also Director of Forests in his welcome speech said "NATURE ‘n U applies informal teaching method based on experiential and field explorations in learning about nature.  The Camp also emphasised on fun, learning environment which is both very hands-on and challenging". 

Len Talif who is also the Managing Director and CEO of, Sarawak Forestry adds "SARAWAK FORESTRY organised NATURE ‘n U for the first time in Lawas, also in conjunction with World Forestry Day launched by Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on 28 April recently.” 

According to Len Talif "In line with NATURE ‘n U Camp theme for this year - Marine Conservation, Lawas is the most suitable location with its rich ecological system, coastal areas dotted with peat swamp forests and marine biology richness". 

Lawas coastal areas are listed in Sarawak Dolphin Project conducted by Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sarawak Shell and Unimas. 

"Lawas known for its dugong population and other marine life, enables Sarawak Forestry Corporation to share their knowledge, especially in its food network, ecosystem and conservation works in Sarawak".

NATURE 'n U Program organised by Sarawak Forestry teaches modules that is specially formulated in line with the theme set and venue.  "This is the branding and uniqueness of NATURE ‘n U which sets it apart from other environmental education camp" explained Len Talif before concluding his speech.

NATURE ‘n U is an environmental education camp organised by SARAWAK FORESTRY as one of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program.  Every year SARAWAK FORESTRY invites secondary students in its NATURE ‘n U, organised at various locations to give opportunities to student especially from rural areas to participate in the Camp throughout Sarawak.  NATURE ‘n U instils positive values and spirit of stewardship for nature, in the young generations.  Ultimately the aim is to mould caring individuals that helps to protect natural wealth and act as a conservation agent in the State's efforts towards nature sustainability for generations to come.