THE Seberang Perai International Conference on Ecotourism and Conservation Efforts (SPICEC 2018) hosted by Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) involved speakers from nine countries including Malaysia.
The conference was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow this morning at The Light Hotel.
The focus of the SPICEC 2018 conference was to provide the platform for discussion and sharing of knowledge and best practices with regards to ecotourism and ‘Promoting Local Economic Development (LED)’ as well as ecotourism products.
Chow, in his opening speech, remarked that the development of ecotourism will have a positive impact on climate change, as noted by the experts. Ecotourism, he added, is not a dull subject as it is about giving emphasis on ecotourism as a tool to conserve nature and empower the local communities.
“Even though tourism is not the core business of MPSP, the municipal council is taking initiatives to make Seberang Perai a world class tourist destination.
“This conference will not only benefit the big industry players but also to look after the local traders. It would be a useful avenue to create a forum for local governments in Malaysia and ASEAN to share ideas and develop knowledge in ecotourism and nature conservation,” Chow emphasised.
He also said that Seberang Perai tourism assets should be listed in the state Tourism Development Plan as a whole. Under such circumstances, tour agency packages for Penang will definitely include the island and Seberang Perai as far as ecotourism is concerned.
“It is now important to repackage tourism in Penang to include what ecotourism has to offer.
“Hopefully, the Tourism Master Plan in Penang will be implemented smoothly, so that we can chart a new direction with a new focus.
Also present were MPSP president Datuk Rozali Mohamud, United Nations Human Settlements Programme executive director Datuk Seri Maimunah Sharif, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC Dr Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Muhammad Bakthiar Wan Chik, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr. P. Ramasamy, state exco members Phee Boon Poh and Dr Afif Bahardin, MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and several state assemblymembers.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud