Community development initiatives that promote ecotourism in Malaysia sparked interest and action in Petrus Mailu, a villager from Kampung Ratau in Kiulu, Sabah.
The 32-year-old runs a hiking and trekking enterprise that presents the beauty of his locale to willing adventurers, helping put the area on the map as a thriving ecotourism attraction.
Sustainable tourism continues to flourish in Sabah, driven by the support of foundations in Malaysia like RYTHM and the collective efforts of environmental advocates.
Increasingly, passionate communities and individuals are recognising the long-term value of protecting and preserving the region’s lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and rich culture.
For young leaders like Petrus, this means going the extra mile in managing tourism initiatives in Kampung Ratau, responsibly opening the place’s natural beauty to the public, and aiming for more than just his business’ success.
RYTHM Foundation Backs Ecotourism in Sabah
RYTHM, together with NGO Good Shepherd Services (GSS), supports Petrus in his commitment to sustainable tourism through its Community Adoption Program (CAP), a project launched in April of 2021 to uplift the livelihoods of Sabah villages, including Kampung Ratau.
Through the CAP project, Petrus and many others who share the same vision have been empowered with the skills and knowledge to kickstart their ecotourism enterprise.
Due to this newfound expertise, Petrus has gone from curious enthusiast to taking the mantle of deputy chairman of his village’s tourism efforts, sharing the importance of ecotourism with his fellow youth.
“At first, I hesitated to take on a prominent role to promote our tourism,” Petrus says. “However, as I delved deeper into my venture, my passion for preserving the natural beauty of Kampung Ratau grew stronger.”
Leading Sabah’s Youth Towards Sustainability
Petrus is part of a youth component of CAP Sabah called the Youth Connect Circle (YCC). He has since been guiding young enthusiasts to identify viable eco-tourism enterprises, prepare business proposals, and structure their own ventures with care for the environment.
“Eco-tourism is not just about showcasing our environment but also about nurturing it for generations to come. That is when I decided it should be more than just a business venture,” Petrus adds.
By imparting the importance of ecotourism in Malaysia to young entrepreneurs, he hopes to inspire them to prioritise sustainability and community impact in their enterprises.
Collective Efforts Leads to Long-term Community Development
While RYTHM Foundation projects like the Community Adoption Program tackle present issues, they aim for lasting impact. For this to be possible, it takes working with community leaders and those next in line, like Petrus, for ideas to take root and transform into long-term action.
“Working together, we have found the strength to conquer all challenges, ensuring our path to environment-friendly tourism thrives.”
Thanks to the unwavering support provided by CAP Sabah, Petrus stands resolute in his belief that Kiulu’s eco-tourism projects will not only thrive but also expand.
These efforts simultaneously guard the pristine natural beauty that defines the region, safeguarding its splendour for future generations. By nurturing the delicate balance between progress and preservation, Petrus and his dedicated team are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more sustainable future for Kiulu and its precious environment.
One of RYTHM Foundation’s pillars is sustainability for people and planet by advancing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore our articles about ecotourism in Malaysia and beyond, RYTHM’s environmental agenda, and related community development projects to learn more.
