Kuala Balai Residents Call For Improved Road To Spur Eco-Tourism
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Kuala Belait - Residents of Kuala Balai in the Belait District are hoping for improvements on the condition of the access road leading from Kuala Belait, not only for their own benefit but also in the interests of attracting eco-tourists.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Hj Mohd Zaide bin Hj Damit said that the road, which is not tarred, has holes in various parts. He added that the drains along the road were also covered with tall grass.

Hj Mohd Zaide said that Kuala Balai, a remote village in the Belait District, normally attracts eco-tourists interested in trekking the jungle, rafting along the Belait River or spending their time watching the villagers carrying out agricultural and fishing activities for a living.

"The villagers always welcome such tourists who are attracted by the natural attractions of remote areas.

"To the eco-tourists, the natural attractions here are unique," said Hj Mohd Zaide.

"We, the villagers feel our remote villages have enormous pulling power if marketed and run in a sustainable manner."

He said that with a pleasant access road, their remote villages would encourage more tourists to learn and appreciate the natural, historical and cultural characteristics of the countryside.

"The arrivals of such tourists give rise to eco-tourism that may help generate income, create jobs and conserve ecosystems. In practice, this is a delicate balancing act," he said.

He also hoped for the construction of chalets to accommodate eco-tourists by interested entrepreneurs.

However, Hj Mohd Zaide said that eco-tourism must be properly organised and that the intellectual property rights of the local population must be fully respected.

He added that a huge responsibility rests with tourism operators and the local community.

"The main drivers of eco-tourism are urban population growth, increase in the middle and upper income groups, environmental education and awareness, city and personal stress, and the love for the pristine and the rural".

"Foreign eco-tourists come to remote areas such as Kuala Balai because of the pristine tropical ecosystem, interesting flora and fauna, things that are not found elsewhere, diverse cultures and traditions, strong promotions and the peace and beauty of our land," he said.

"The idea is to strike a balance between promoting ecotourism and conserving biodiversity.

We need to develop the political, financial, infrastructural, institutional and communal capacity in ecotourism." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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