A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN (People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service) ISSN 1394-5726

Online Publisher:          Contents provided by:	STATE SECRETARY'S VIEW Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hj Hamid Bugo "PROTECTING OUR RIVERS" Of our basic natural resources, water is perhaps the most critical. The quality and quantity of water available to the community and its ecological system is an excellent reflection of the health of the community and its environment. Thus, the introduction of the River Heritage Programme for Sarawak rivers is a right move to ensure the long term protection of the soil, water and other natural resources. The objectives of the River Heritage Programme include the restoration of rivers and watershed; conservation and protection of river resources; recognition of present and future uses of rivers; formulation of guidelines on sustainable river management and education for sustainability of our resources. In many parts of the world such as in Japan and Canada, there is growing success in the conservation and restoration of the natural resources through partnerships, alliances and co-operation between the government and the people. Mutual interests and concerns of the environment and collective actions by the people can result in positive community building. Integrated watershed management therefore should involve everybody. There should be plenty of effort to encourage public participation and to raise public awareness on the need for a long term plan to manage and maintain the uses and environmental soundness of the river basins. The Sarawak River Riparian Rehabilitation programme is in line with the government vision of a beautiful, clean and sustainable waterfront in Kuching where the people will be able to enjoy all forms of river recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, water skiing, etc. Ensuring the availability of clean river for human and a clean environment is one of the many challenges of the present and future generation. There is a need for us to re-examine and realign our roles on the control and use of rivers in Sarawak. Our tendency however, has been too complacent and not mindful of the danger of water shortages. The launching of the River Heritage Programme for Sarawak rivers marks the first step in the proper management of our rivers and watershed. This programme aims to control sediment and other sources of pollution. This programme is planned for the long term, but I believe that in a few years from now, there will be tangible changes in the environment arising from the rehabilitation of our rivers. The long term impact will be that the community will be able to utilise the natural resources in an intelligent and responsible manner that will preserve the natural resources for generations to come.
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