KOTA KINABALU (Monday Aug 20): The Sabah Heart of Borneo (HoB) International Conference 2023, a highly anticipated two days event, is set to take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, from Aug 23.
Sabah Forestry Department, the organiser, promises that it will be a pivotal platform for discussions on the theme “HoB: An Ecosystem That Provides”, which focuses on the key areas of intervention outlined in the newly launched HoB Strategies Plan of Action (2021 – 2030).
The five main key focuses of the event are:
- Transboundary management
- Protected and conserved area expansion and management
- Sustainable natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
- Ecotourism development; and Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) and Capacity Building.
Under the patronage of the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Bin Haji Mohd Noor, the conference is expected to welcome approximately 650 participants, both local and international, from across the globe.
There will be five concurrent presentation sessions during in which 28 presenters will present and share their findings and insights on the various aspects of the HoB Initiative and biodiversity conservation.
A panel discussion will delve into critical topics on safeguarding the HoB area through exploring synergies with global initiatives such as the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FoLUR) Integrated Program on the Transformational Change in Sabah in the next 6 years.
Also on balancing biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through the Living Landscapes Approach, Biodiversity-Inclusive Rehabilitation: Harnessing Nature’s Power for Sustainable Recovery in Sabah and Malaysia; and Innovative Research and Smart Collaboration: A Continuous Synergy in the Knowledge-Based Heart of Borneo.
Another exciting addition is the not-to-be-missed inaugural Youth Forum, where the youth of the future from schools, higher institutions and organisations will share their unique perspectives on environmental preservation and sustainable practices.
This HoB Conference will host 31 vibrant and exciting exhibitors from our state agencies, federal agencies, NGOs and SFMLAs.
Visitors can explore and experience the 16 years’ remarkable journey of accomplishments and conservation efforts solely dedicated to Sabah’s Heart of Borneo Initiative, an ecosystem that provides.
The public is welcomed to visit the exhibitions during the conference.
