Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (left) and Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ron Pudin (right) sharing birding perspective with Dr John Corder (2nd left) of the World Pheasant Association. Also pictured is Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jimit (2nd right).
RUTLAND, UK: Sabah’s participation in the Global BirdFair 2024 has garnered significant attention, receiving high praise from the international birding community ready to collaborate.
The BirdFair’s founder and main organiser, Tim Appleton, said that based on the feedback he received, Sabah has the potential to emerge as a leading global birding destination.
“I’m keen to work with the Sabah Tourism Board to further develop Sabah’s potential as a global birding destination,” he said during a brief meeting with Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, led Sabah’s participants to the Birdfair, which includes the Sabah Bird Watchers Association, Borneo Nature Tours, Tabin Wildlife Resorts, 1 Stop Borneo Wildlife and Borneo Eco Tours.
Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Tim Appleton, the founder and main organiser of the Global BirdFair in Rutland, UK.
Appleton, known as the Godfather of all bird fairs, indicated an interest in arranging a familiarisation trip for a group of UK/European journalists and birding travel experts to Sabah to help promote the state’s important birding areas.
The launch of the Sabah Birding Routes has been particularly well-received, with several key figures in the birding world highlighting its potential to boost eco-tourism and conservation efforts.
Alain Pasqua from the Philippines highlighted Sabah’s leadership in regional bird conservation, emphasising its role in fostering global birding partnerships.
“Sabah has always been ahead in organising bird initiatives in the Southeast Asian region.
“The birding Route will pave the way to Sabah Pahlawan birding collaboration and extension of birding itineraries,” said the founder of Harring Ibon, a premium brand showcasing the beautiful birds of the Philippines.
The newly launched Sabah Birding Routes map has also created an opportunity for the Sabah Birdwatchers Association to collaborate with the World Pheasant Association, sharing technical expertise, particularly on the Bornean Peacock Pheasant, one of the world’s rarest.
Dr John Corder of the World Pheasant Association praised the Sabah Tourism Board’s new initiative and highlighted the map’s usefulness.
“The Bornean Peacock Pheasant needs to be protected long term as it benefits the local villagers to improve their livelihoods through bird hides tourism,” he said.
His remarks echo those of many other attendees, who see the Birding Route as a means to protect endangered species and support local communities.
The Sabah Tourism Board has been participating in the renowned international birding event since 2009.
The STB’s delegation to the BirdFair this year includes its Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jimit, Sabah Bird Watchers Association President Ron Pudin, and STB Product and Rural Tourism Manager Daniel Roman.
The three-day Global BirdFair, which concluded on July 14, saw birding and wildlife travel experts and enthusiasts from across the globe flocking to the STB booth to learn about the state’s birding destination promotion.
