SANDAKAN: Future Alam Borneo (FAB) is marking its 10th anniversary of promoting environmental awareness in Sandakan by hosting the 5th Borneo ROR Festival on September 21st and 22nd, 2024.
This two-day event will focus on themes of Conservation, Sustainability, Adventure, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok. The festival aims to educate and inspire the local community to take pride in protecting our unique biodiversity.
One of the festival’s highlights is a specially designed bamboo pavilion, created in partnership with UCSI University KL’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, which will be built over the RDC lake.
The design draws inspiration from traditional water village homes found in coastal Sabah and uses sustainable materials like bamboo.
Kimi Werner from Hawaii, known for her work with National Geographic and Discovery Channel, will join a network of conservationists and organizations. Experts, scientists, and NGOs from the region will showcase their projects and interact with attendees. Many international guests will also participate via video links.
In addition to scientific discussions, renowned artists such as Ernest Zacharevic, Kenji Chai, and Yee I-Lann will present collaborative art projects that celebrate Sabahan culture.
Outdoor activities will include tree climbing, abseiling from canopy towers, obstacle courses, bamboo rafting, and more.
The evening entertainment will feature performances by Bil Musa, Tuni Sundatang, lost spaces, and various DJs.
The festival will also introduce the first-ever Force of Nature costume run on September 22nd. This 3km fun run invites participants to dress in their most creative costumes while enjoying the forest, fostering friendship, and promoting environmental awareness.
The Borneo ROR Festival is organized by the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Sandakan Municipal Council, the Sabah Forestry Department, and the Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.
Key partners include Yayasan Hasanah, the High Commission of Canada, and several others. The festival’s goal is to be a zero-waste event, encouraging visitors to minimize their waste.
