ASEM Symposium on Urban Forestry China Nov-Dec 2004

ASEM Symposium on Urban Forestry, China, Nov-Dec 2004 Urban Forestry & Its Relevance to Tourism Development in Sabah 作者: 李妍樺 J. Ligunjang 楊思澄 by Y. F. Lee, J. Ligunjang & S. C. Yong Forestry Department, Sabah, Malaysia

This presentation…. . n n n n Definition of Urban Forestry Benefits of Trees & Forests in Urban Areas Urban Centres in Sabah Urban Forestry Potential under Different Conditions Current Status of Urban Forestry in Sabah Relationship of Urban Forestry to Tourism Closing Notes

What is Urban Forestry ? Urban settlements ¨> 5, 000 as urban centre (Hardoy & Satterthwaite, 1986) ¨ > 20, 000 as ‘urban’, > 100, 000 (city), >5 million (big cities), United Nations (1991) ¨ > 10, 000 as urban centre (Sabah Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, ICZM)

Urban Forestry is the planned, integrated & systematic approach to the management of trees in urban & peri–urban areas for their contribution to the physiological, sociological and economic well-being of urban society. Urban forestry is multifaceted; it deals with woodlands, groups of trees, and individual trees where dense conglomerations of people live, involves a wide variety of habitats (streets, parks, derelict corners, etc) & is concerned with a great range of benefits & problems. (Carter, 1995)

Benefits of Trees & Forests In Urban Areas…. . Environmental n. Air pollution control n. Noise pollution control n. Beautification of towns & cities n. Slope stabilisation & erosion control n. Shade & regulation of microclimate n. Enhancement of water infiltration into soil n. Biodiversity conservation n. Protection of water catchment Materials n. Food n. Fodder n. Timber, fuelwood & poles n. Spices n. Fibres n. Medicines n. Others non-timber products

Urban Centres in Sabah: 2. 822 mil. population in a land area 73, 620 km 2 ; 38/km 2 population density n n 15 towns/cities in Sabah: 1. 29 mil. or 45. 6% of population Malaysia: 62% urban population (2000)

Population 1991 Population 2000 Population 2004 Kota Kinabalu 160, 100 305, 400 331, 900 Sandakan 157, 200 275, 400 299, 300 Tawau 124, 700 213, 900 232, 500 45 100 74, 600 81, 100 Putatan 61, 800 67, 200 Donggongon 56, 500 61, 400 16, 100 43, 900 47, 700 43, 300 47, 100 Kudat 21, 900 26, 700 29, 100 Ranau 12, 800 15, 600 17, 000 Kunak 11, 000 15, 600 17, 000 Papar 15, 200 16, 500 Beaufort 12, 500 13, 600 Kinarut 12, 400 13, 500 Kota Belud 10, 100 11, 000 Total 1, 182, 900 1, 285, 900 Town/City Lahad Datu Keningau Semporna

Urban Forestry Potential under Different Conditions… Urban forestry: not actively practised in Sabah, but it is instructive to evaluate the potential of urban forestry under different circumstances Potential of urban forestry under different conditions of land cover (refer to Appendix 4) ¨ The relationship of land ownership to access & the potential of establishing or maintaining urban forests & trees (refer to Appendix 5) ¨

Current Status of Urban Forestry in Sabah… n n Urban Centres recently established Urban forestry activities which have been carried out are mainly confined to: Management of some forested land ¨ Planting & maintenance of ornamental trees ¨ Kota Kinabalu : Rainforest Sandakan : Nature City Tawau : Planters’ Land (Bumi Peladang)

n Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary n n n Mudskippers “Wetland-in-a-city” Located 2 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre Covers 24 ha mangrove forest Bird watching activities (over 83 species of birds) Education & public awareness 1. 5 km board walk (resting huts, observation towers and outdoor classroom) Managed by Likas Wetland Sanctuary Management Committee Great Egret Fiddler Crab 1. 5 board walk Back

Sandakan Rainforest Park n n n 210 hectares & about 8 km from Sandakan city centre Type locality of more than 70 species of trees and other plants Forest of very high scientific & historical value Facilities: 120 parking lots, 3 km of jogging trails/ bicycle track & administration building Being planned: Observation towers, camping site, picnic ground, nature trails with pavilions, exhibition hall, visitors’ centre & interpretation centre Managed by Sabah Forestry Department Back

Gemok Hill Information Centre n n In Gemok Hill Forest Reserve (virgin jungle) which covers 446 hectares & about 11 km from Tawau city centre. Favourite activities: jungle trekking, hiking, camping & sightseeing. Facilities: Canopy walkway, information centre, pavilions, staff quarters, children’s playground, nature trails, etc Managed by Sabah Forestry Department

Relationship of Urban Forestry to Tourism…

Relationship of Urban Forestry to Tourism… n n n Top 5 countries of origin of tourists ¨ Indonesia (34%), Philippines (25%), Taiwan / Republic of China (24%), Brunei (11%) & Singapore (6%) Target: 2. 7 mil. arrivals (2007), 113% increase in 4 years Estimated tourist receipt RM 2 billion (2004) One of the main reasons for tourists to come to Sabah is to enjoy its nature and wildlife. Many of these ecotourist destinations in close proximity to or within the urban centres, making Sabah “nature at the doorstep” for visitors to enjoy. It is important for those aspects of urban forestry which support tourism, particularly ecotourism, to be given high priority & urgent attention.

Cities / towns to popular ecotourist City / Town Kota Kinabalu 亜庇 Sandakan 山打根 Tawau Lahad Datu which serve as gateway destinations in Sabah Popular Ecotourist Destinations Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Kinabalu Park Poring Hot Spring Rafflesia Information Centre Crocker Range National Park Kawang Recreational Forest Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre / Sepilok Forest Reserve Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Gomantong Caves Selingan Turtle Islands Lankayan Island Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 斗湖 Maliau Basin Tawau Hill Park Sipadan Island Madai Caves & Madai Waterfall 拿篤 Danum Valley Darvel Bay Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Cities / towns which serve as gateway to popular ecotourist destinations in Sabah

Closing Notes n n Urban forestry is practised only to a limited extent in Sabah Tourism is an important economic sector With tourism high on the development agenda in Sabah, there is a need to promote urban forestry Urban forestry provides locals & visitors the numerous social, environmental & economic benefits.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS • State Government of Sabah • Director of Forestry, Sabah • Organiser of ASEM Symposium on Urban Forestry, 2004

Thank you!