The International Ecotourism Society

Uniting Conservation, Communities
and Sustainable Travel

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BEST




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Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies (BEST)
(formerly known as Sukau Ecotourism Research and Development (SERDC)
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History

Sukau Ecotourism Research & Development Centre or SERDC was set up in 1999 by Borneo Eco Tours as a division to conduct research and development in the field of ecotourism. Though Borneo Eco Tours was formed in 1991 with special focus on ecotourism in Borneo, it was not until 1995 when it opened the first ecolodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge that it became more apparent that this is a new niche market which requires new solutions.

 

By 1999 both Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge were already very involved in research and development in Sukau and were achieving positive results with its environmental and community projects.

 

SERDC was thus set up for the following reasons:-

  • The success of Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge in winning several international ecotourism awards for its environmental management programs.

  • The success in the implementation of our environmental and community projects.

  • The increasing threat to the biodiversity of the lower Kinabatangan region from illegal logging and clearing of forested areas for commercial agriculture particularly large scale oil palm plantations.

  • The increasing threat to the wildlifes in the lower Kinabatangan region resulting from the reduction in the natural habitat and the increasing incidence of encroachment of elephants into plantations.

  • The increasing popularity of ecotourism and number of tourists to the area with its potential negative impact on the local communities, wildlifes and the environment.

  • It was felt that some issues concerning ecotourism could only be tackled on a long term basis and with the co-operation of the other stakeholders.

  • There was also a need to conduct more research to understand the local cultures, attitudes, and the ecosystem.

  • There was a need to identify and prioritise the community and environmental projects.

On 18th July 2000, SERDC signed a MOU with WWF Malaysia and University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to jointly conduct research and formulate an effective management plan for the conservation of Lower Kinabatangan area.

On the same day, Albert Teo also announced that Sukau Rainforest Lodge will set aside US$1 (RM3.80) for every international adult guest who stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge back-dated to 1st January 2000 for the funding of projects undertaken by SERDC.