Knights of Nature Sustainability Camp at Uluhati 29 - 31 March 2013

We were honored to be chosen as the first venue for the first ever off-site for a Ecoknights, a Non Governmental Organization whose objective is to heighten awareness of the various aspects of the environment among young Malaysians. The program due to be held in the various states of the country kicked off in Selangor and we were honored to be chosen as the first venue to host such an event.16 young Malaysian ranging from 14 to 22 years old participated in the program.

Over the 3 days and 2 nights they were at Uluhati they discussed various issues pertaining to the environment from the dark rainforest of the country to the deep blue depths of our seas, the key word being "sustainability". Needless to say these issues are of dear to us as well, otherwise we would not be here living close to the environment. So I could not help eavesdropping, every now and then on their discussions.

We are glad to see such initiatives being taken, especially among our younger generation. From what we could see and from the few discussions we had with the youngsters they all seemed very well clued in and engaged on the subject.

From where I stand my take is simply this : this is the only planet we have at our disposal for now and the future generations. You cannot trade it in for another one when this one stinks. So learn how to take care of it lest we want our grandchildren to pay the price for it. Its not that difficult really : start thinking +  go easy on the greed (better still eliminate) = sustainability. Off course some people might say that the earth will somehow adapt itself and it can take whatever we can throw at it.That may actually be true. Question is : can we handle it when the earth makes its adjustments and adaptations. The irony being, whilst we humans may consider ourselves to be brightest creation, we are actually the weakest. Left bare, we are amongst the least equipped of God"s creation to survive in the environment.

As a Muslim, we were taught that Man is God's Vicegerent on earth, a kind of Custodian of the earth. That in itself carries an explicit responsibility to ensure that the earth is well taken care off in the best possible manner. Taking it back further responsibility for the well-being of the earth began with the creation of Man. So care for the environment is a mandate which began from the time of Adam (Pbuh) itself. It is not a new age thing.

And if we want to stretch it forward further, the Holy Quran mentioned several times how God not only made the mountains, rivers and oceans for Man but also subject the stars, moons, the sun and planets to Man. Many ways how to read this and God only knows best the true meaning, but in my humble mind two things come to mind : 1) somehow, someday we will learn how to harness and tap the heavenly bodies for the betterment of our lives, 2) in doing so we must always act responsibly.

Anyway, sorry if I get carried away, but having spent my early years in the kampong and now in my twilight years, back in the woods again, I am an unabashed tree-hugger. Now for some pictures.

THE CAMPSITE

DISCUSSIONS AT THE SERAMBI

MEAL TIMES AT THE BALAI, OUR LATEST ADDITION. NOTE THE BERTAM ROOF, VERY ORIGINAL AND VERY ECOLOGICAL, IF WE MAY SAY SO. MADE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOCAL ORANG ASLI COMMUNITY

VOLLEY BALL ULUHATI WAY

VERY ANIMATED DISCUSSIONS ON THE REEFS UNDER THE TREES

LEARNING THE RAINFOREST : VEGETATION, FOOD, SHELTER, MEDICINES, TRAPS, ANIMAL TRACKS, SALT LICKS AND GENERALLY HOW TO SURVIVE, UNTIL THE RANGERS ARRIVE

OVER THE TOP

ON THE WAY UP

DRUM CIRCLE UNDER THE TREES

ALL MY BAGS ARE PACKED AND READY TO GO

Apart from the above, the youngsters were also taught how to cook using bamboo, fish using traditional rods and of course, the obligatory horse rides. The hectic schedule did not stop them from having discussions long into the night around the campfire. The weather was great, that helps. I guess its being some time since they slept in the outdoors and they made the best out of it.

It has been a pleasure having them at Uluhati and the learning was not only theirs, but ours as well. Thank you for gracing Uluhati. Do come again and we look forward to hear great things from these youngsters in years to come. Salam Din/Safiya