http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2004/4/19/nation/7795067&sec=nation
Monday April 19, 2004
Experts to help tap Bario agro-ecotourism potential
KUCHING: The Bario Highlands in northern Sarawak, known to produce Sarawak’s famous rice, will be explored further for its agro-ecotourism potential.
Experts will gather to discuss research findings and exchange views on opportunities in the agro-ecotourism sector in a first-ever Bario seminar in Miri on May 11.
Papers to be presented include Bario Rice: Potentials and Constraints; Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats Analysis for Bario; Culture and History of Bario and the Kelabits, and the highland’s agro-eco-tourism potential.
The event will be followed by a two-day Bario Festival at the highlands, which will showcase the colourful culture and craft of the Kelabits in their homeland.
Bario is accessible by twin otter aircraft from Miri. The fertile rice-growing plateau is located 1,128m above sea level.
Its cool climate and the warm hospitability of the Kelabits have made Bario a favourite tourist destination for foreigners.
The seminar and festival are jointly organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Bintulu campus, state Tourism Ministry, Miri Resident’s Office, state Agriculture Department and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.
The organisers said the seminar would compile research, survey and inventory data, evaluate opportunities and constraints, and encourage new ventures and promote eco-tourism in the highlands.
During the festival, there would be demonstrations on rice processing and salt making, displays of Kelabit and Penan craft, an exhibition on the floriculture industry and sale of agro-products.
