Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has been introducing several initiatives to boost the socio-economic status of communities in the rural areas.

Through a collaboration with Nature Sustainable Ecosystem Society (NEST), UMT’s Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (IBTPL) is planning to train the local community to become tour guides and expose them to the activity of bird watching at several locations in the country.

UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazlan Abd Ghaffar said the collaboration will the local community and UMT researchers.

“Through knowledge transfer programmes by UMT researchers and NEST, the local community will gain knowledge of biodiversity and other activities such as bird watching and learning about the different species of birds at Kenyir Lake.

“The effort will boost the economic activities, and the presence of tourists will financially benefit homestay and resort owners as well as food entrepreneurs.”

The expertise at UMT, the facilities at UMT research station, and the support from NGOs will provide a big impact to the development and tourism sectors at Kenyir Lake.

UMT researcher Dr. Siti Norasikin Ismail said the collaboration is the best platform to conduct research activities and produce impactful publications, through the sharing of expertise in various fields including biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and environmental sustainability.

At the signing event, there was also the launching of the Bird Watching and Research Workshop, which will be held from 3 – 5 May 2024 at UMT Biodiversity Nature Research Station at Kenyir Lake to provide exposure to birdwatching techniques and other field activities to participants comprising students, researchers, lecturers, community scientists, and nature lovers.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu