Pulong Tau is an exceptionally valuable piece of the natural heritage of Sarawak. It is essential that this heritage be adequately protected. There is considerable urgency, given that the construction of logging access roads has already begun. It is also of the utmost importance that the park be sufficiently large to protect the full diversity of habitat types, particularly the altitude range from the Upper Dipterocarp Forests to the Summit Heaths, and that large areas of undisturbed forest are preserved to protect populations of rare species. If created without such design in mind the park might not be able to protect a significant proportion of the biodiversity of the area and hence would fail in its primary purpose.

The current proposal for 63,700 ha while a considerable achievement does not incorporate sufficient lower altitude forest, which is generally the more diverse forest and, as even our limited observations show, is an integral part of the higher altitude habitats because of the number of species in common. Especially important is consideration of ecological functional groups, such as seed dispersers and top predators. These are an essential component of the ecology of the higher altitude forests but cannot exist solely in them because they require a greater area to support their populations. The stability and future of the high altitude forest is thus linked to the protection of the lower altitude forests.

Our main recommendation is that the gazetted area of 63,700 ha should be increased to include Batu Lawi and a significantly larger area of lower altitude forest, more along the lines of the 1984 and 1987 proposals. This could be achieved by proposing an extension to the current protected area. In respect of logging concessions that may have been awarded within the area a compromise could be accepted by drawing the boundary along the line to which the access trails now reach . This is approximately the upper boundary of the Dipterocarp forest above which there are few large trees.

The boundaries must be designated before timber extraction commences and preferably as urgently as possible given the increased access that the trails have afforded poachers. Permitting timber extraction above this boundary and then including it the park later will not suffice. Firstly, forest at this altitude is slower growing and the environment in general is more fragile to disturbance. Hence, ecology of the forest would be disturbed to such an extent that it would no longer function as a primary forest. Secondly, the short-term disturbance and increased access, if not controlled soon, will deplete the wildlife especially the rarer and more valuable species for which Pulong Tau is still a haven.

Finally, looking further to the future one of the principle revenues for Pulong Tau and the Bario vicinity will surely be that of tourism and Pulong Tau will make a valuable addition to the other parks given its spectacular scenery and the opportunity to see wildlife. However, much of the tourism potential lies in the attraction of Batu Lawi and the integrity of the surrounding forests, which support so much wildlife.

If the forests around Batu Lawi, extending to Gunung Murud, are logged rather than included in the park, it is likely that future tourism income from the national park will be seriously affected.

The following suggestions are respectfully submitted respectfully to the relevant authorities for their consideration :

1. Increased flights to Bario, Ba’Kelalan and Long Lellang. Currently one of the major constraints on the development of the economy of Bario and the vicinity is the small number of flights. This is particularly a problem for the tourism industry because obtaining tickets can be difficult and for larger groups impossible. It also limits the development of facilities and opportunity for small-scale industries.
2. Establishment of a park office and interpretation centre in Bario or Pa’Ukat. A small office is required for the local administration of the park, enforcement of wildlife laws, education and to provide some limited employment opportunities for local labour. It is not recommended that a large facility with chalets and so forth is constructed given the considerable building costs and the fact that private enterprise, in the form of small local lodges and longhouse accommodation should be encouraged. The office could be staffed by local people and take advantage of the existing informal network of local guides. One of the functions of the park office should be to formally train and licence guides for the national park trails, with an emphasis on safety and preservation of the environment.
3. Wildlife protection and hunting. Hunting is a popular and important activity for the local population of the Kelabit Highlands. Hence, a restriction of traditional hunting rights might be met with some opposition. However, the strong support of the local Kelabit people for the national park proposal indicates a deeper awareness of the ecological importance of Pulong Tau and the potential value of tourism. It is important that the Wildlife Department makes it clear that wildlife protection laws will be enforced, but also that some provisions are made so that traditional hunting, especially for Bearded Pig, could be allowed in certain areas.
• It must be made clear that all protected species cannot be hunted and that people will be prosecuted if caught.
• All regular tourist trails, especially to Batu Lawi and Gunung Murud and the surrounding areas must be non-hunting areas. The carrying of a firearm in these areas should be an offence.
• Hunting areas should be located conveniently in relation to the longhouses. If practical, a hunting quota system should be instated.
• The tourism industry and local community leaders should be educated in the importance of wildlife conservation for their own livelihood and enrolled as community wildlife officers. A particular emphasis should be placed on educating the children in the local schools.
4. Formation of a private Tourism Association for Bario and neighbouring villages. This would provide a focus for development of tourism in Pulong Tau and the Bario vicinity in general. The association should be made responsible for registering accommodation and guides, standardising prices, producing small guide books and information pamphlets, maintaining trails including litter collection and the repair of camp huts and organising community participation. Most of the staff could be recruited locally and some positions could be held on a part-time basis while the individuals continued with their traditional occupations. Out of the association, a ‘Friends of Pulong Tau’ society could be administered. Visitors to the park could be invited / required to join and in return receive an informative newsletter for one year. Funds raised in this way could be channelled towards park development activities such as trail or hut construction, and conservation efforts.
5. Field study centre. Pulong Tau is still largely unexplored scientifically and it also could offer a valuable opportunity for the education of school and university groups if some limited facilities were provided. These should include a simple wooden laboratory building, a good quality, secure store for leaving equipment and samples and possibly an accommodation hostel. A limited amount of field equipment could be provided for visiting groups to avoid everybody having to carry equipment on the plane. Needless to say, the facility would always be small but it would be a valuable addition to the functions of the park. The centre could be run by the National Park office, with the teaching and guide staff recruited from the local population, where possible. The accommodation hostel could be administered by a local longhouse.

Small local Museum. Looking further ahead, a local museum for the Kelabit Highlands could be constructed in Bario or preferably one of the nearby villages. This could be funded in part by the local tourism association but would need government support, and possible the support of the many educated Kelabits now living in Miri and elsewhere. The small local museum would be a valuable contribution to the local community by preserving artefacts and photographs, and allowing people to identify with their origins and understand the rapid changes their communities have undergone. A small facility administered locally would probably best meet these needs. Check out other pages on the Pulong Tau website