KUCHING – Members of the public are invited to mark the International Day of Biological Diversity by taking part in a cycling event on 22 May to support the conservation of orang-utans and sharks, including rays and skates.
The 13 organisations in support of the campaign hope to attract 250 participants to the second iteration of “Ride for the Wild” which will start and finish at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
The inaugural bicycling event was held in September last year and attracted about 200 participants from all walks of life.
This year, there are two routes: a 13km fun ride and a longer 38km route. The fun ride will take participants past Kuching’s major restaurants and hotels that have advocated shark-fin conservation for several years.
The 38km route will take riders toward the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and past the orang-utan rehabilitation centre in Semenggoh. At the SBC, a presentation on conservation will be given.
As the “Ride for the Wild” is a green event, minimal use of plastics is encouraged. Participants are requested to use their own water bottles and refill them at the water dispensers provided.
Goodie bags, including a cotton shirt, as opposed to one made with micro-fibre which releases microplastics and toxins into the water when washed, will be supplied.
As this is an NGO-driven event, all proceeds will be used for conservation education activities on orang-utans and sharks, including the printing of bookmarks and brochures to help educate members of the public and participants.
For more details and registration, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1587208958236138/ orhttp://www.rideforthewildmalaysia.com
The event is organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society (Malaysia Program), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. Supporters of the event include Aiman Batang Ai Resort and Retreat, Borneo Adventure, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Eunioa IT Solutions, Hilton Hotel, Orangutan Project, Raw Kitchens, Royal Malaysian Police, Permai Rainforest Resort, Sarawak Energy and Ulu Ai Conservancy.