Sarawak recently hosted the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH10), where the five-day gathering in early August welcomed 1,485 herpetologists from around the globe.
Organised by the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC), UNIMAS, and supported by Business Events Sarawak (BE Sarawak), the event concluded on August 9, 2024.
The congress brought together the world’s leading experts in reptiles and amphibians to share knowledge, conduct research, and collaborate on conservation efforts. Sarawak’s rich biodiversity provided an ideal backdrop for this significant event.
Richard Griffiths, secretary-general elect of the World Congress of Herpetology, emphasised the importance of such a large gathering.
“The sheer number of herpetologists in Kuching demands attention. This concentration of expertise can do wonders for the conservation of herpetofauna in Sarawak,” he said.
Griffiths highlighted the challenges faced in conserving reptiles and amphibians compared to more charismatic animals. WCH10 is a crucial platform to increase awareness and prioritize herpetology conservation, he added.
Mona Abdul Manap, managing director of Place Borneo, the event’s PCO, emphasised the long-term impact of hosting such prestigious events.
“The importance of events of this scale and prestige goes beyond tourism dollars and tourist arrivals. More important is the legacy it leaves behind and that is up to us the local hosts, how we would like the event to impact Sarawak, its people, its environment, or even policy-making change,” she said.
Mark O’Shea, a conference delegate, praised the event as a platform for sharing ideas and fostering collaboration. He expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Sarawak for potential future projects.
