The park is a protected place, and everyone visiting Kinabalu and other natural
places in Malaysia has an important role to play in ensuring it stays this way
for present and future visitors. All wildlife is protected in the park and even
the smallest change can have a big impact upon plant and animal communities that
have evolved in isolation for centuries. Park rules and guidelines are clearly
displayed in the park. The following rules and guidelines make a big difference
in preserving natural areas like Kinabalu.
- Do not destroy or remove any plant or animal. It is an offence to remove
plants, animals and to shoot, trap or collect animals. Do not encourage trade in
living plants and animals, or items produced from threatened natural resources.
- Leave the park cleaner than you found it. Dispose of rubbish appropriately
and clean up if need be after those who dont.
- Pets are not allowed into the park as they may introduce diseases to isolated
populations or may escape and go wild.
- When near animals, avoid making undue noise or movement or doing anything to
disturb them. Use binoculars rather than trying to get too close. Be considerate
of other visitors who many be engaged in activities like bird watching that
require silence.
- Avoid buying and taking excessively packaged products into the park as the
waste has to be disposed of somewhere. Take as little as possible on walks and
return all rubbish to Park HQ and place in a rubbish bin.
Visitors Can Play a Role in Kinabalu
The joint objectives of conservation and rural development in Kinabalu require
the commitment of both visitors and participants in the tourism industry. All
parties can take on a more active role to minimize negative impacts and adopt
more sustainable practices. Tourists can contribute by making discerning choices
before and during their trips and by providing feedback afterwards. In addition,
ensuring that local people benefit from tourism creates an incentive for them to
preserve natural habitats. Environmentally responsible nature tourism involves:
Travel to undisturbed areas to appreciate their natural and cultural features.
Minimal visitors impact on the natural surroundings.
Only development that does not exhaust or degrade the recourses upon which it
depends.
Promoting and supporting conversation efforts in the host area.
Providing opportunities for the beneficial involvement of local communities. |
