Some of the first
questions people ask us are:
- What is an ecovillage? What is Sumbiling Eco Village?
- How is your business an ecovillage?
- What makes your place different from all the other operators?
There is no short and simple answer to these questions, which is why we
have dedicated this page to explaining what exactly we stand for, what
we do, and how and why we do what we do. We felt the best way would be
to approach it based on the questions listed above.
So what is an ecovillage?
It is a small social community sharing the same ecological, social,
cultural or even religious values. Such communities arose as a reaction
to growing concerns among some in conventional societies about the
damage done by modern lifestyles to the environment and to traditional
socio-cultural values and also as a conscious choice to live with less
environmental impact. Ecovillages tend to be smaller clusters of human
settlement, numbers of people based on sustainability. These ecovillages
are typified by sustainable living features such as non-dependence on
fossil fuels for electricity and vehicular fuel, usage and storage of
rainwater, environmentally sound construction, with reused or
sustainable materials, and many more exciting ideas.
How is your business an ecovillage?
So how does Sumbiling Eco Village fall into the above
definition? Simple, we don't! Well, not quite anyway! But do hear us
out! Our whole concept was mooted by founder and managing director,
Leslie Chiang in 2007. He envisioned an ecotourism project
which
served to promote awareness and cultivate sustainability -
environmentally, socially, culturally and economically. This was to be
achieved through the operation of close-to-nature stays in the
rainforest, as well as various rainforest and adventure tours, in
cooperation with villagers who would share their culture and way of life
with visitors.
The project materialised as a joint-venture with the Ibans of Kampung
Sumbiling Lama, the second last village on the southbound Jalan Batang
Duri in Temburong District. The company provided the concept, funding,
planning and management of the project, while the villagers provided the
manpower, outdoors and cultural expertise, as well as suggestions and
ideas which proved invaluable to the continuing growth and improvement
of the project. From the start, a close relationship was forged between
the management and the villagers, and to this day, it is something we
are proud to tell others - that the villagers are an integral part of
Sumbiling Eco Village!
So, what's in a name?
Sumbiling
to denote our location,
Eco
to signify our commitment to sustainable ecotourism, and our ambitious
goals to make our project a model for environmental care and development
of awareness and
Village
as a tribute to the villagers who are such an integral part of what we
do, and whose well-being we strive to improve.
kampung (Malay) - village. Also most basic administrative division
in Brunei
jalan (Malay) - road
What makes your place different from all the other operators?
Although, like
everyone else, profitability is a main concern, we also rank the
well-being and development of the villagers side by side with it. We
also place a strong emphasis on ecological concerns, and are determined
to ensure sustainable ecotourism is our way and eventually the way of
others who follow suit in the industry. To sum up our objectives, we
have lined up the following goals:
GREEN GOALS
Cultivate knowledge and love for the environment
- Tours, stays and
programmes expose visitors
to the rainforest, its flora and fauna.
Preserve surrounding natural environment
- Utilising small, wooden basic structures.
- No major construction designs.
- No air-conditioning or excessive comforts.
Living the 3 R's in our operations
(Reduce waste & wastage, reuse and recycle)
- Rubbish sorting.
- Reduction and eventual non-use of plastic
bags, bottles, etc.
- New structures built with reused wood.
Promote use of natural alternatives
- Utilising alternatives such as rattan/bamboo instead of
nylon/plastic,
- Leaves instead of melamine plates,
- Bug repellent from plant ingredients, and more.
PEOPLE GOALS
Build self-esteem of local community
- Through their
involvement and achievements.
Involve local community
- Idea sharing, teamwork in operations.
Build pride in own indigenous culture & local way of life
- Through sharing with visitors, affirmation and encouragement
received by locals.
Create economic opportunities
- Work for local villagers.
Cultivate knowledge and affinity for indigenous culture & way
of life
Tours, stays and programmes expose visitors to the unique
culture, past-times and ways of the locals. |
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