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Renowned as the most picturesque village which allowed them to gain a deeper
in the state, this ecotourism hotspot spans appreciation for indigenous craftsmanship
20 hectares and is meticulously and the harmonious relationship between
maintained by the local community, culture and the environment. From the
symbolizing their unwavering commitment guidance of the local representatives, the
to environmental conservation. Initially, the ASEP 2018 participants had also learned
park was marred by the remnants of illegal about the unique linguistic and cultural
dumping and deforestation, stemming from practices, including the Senoi language's
the demand for mangrove tree’ lumber and distinctive numbering system and the
the lack of environmental awareness symbolic significance of traditional dances
among the local population. However, and marriage ceremonies. The climax of
through concerted efforts, the community ASEP 2018 day 3 culminated in a poignant
undertook the task of remediating the site, beach cleaning activity at Carey Island, a
culminating in its designation as a culturally and religiously significant site for
mangrove recreational park. During a the Senoi people. As participants combed
captivating presentation by a local the shoreline, collecting discarded debris
representative, the participants had and washed-up trash, they reaffirmed their
gleaned insights into the park's storied commitment to environmental stewardship
history and the vital role of mangrove and cultural preservation by giving their all
species, including endangered varieties to achieving the goals of a pristine beach.
such as the "pokok api-api" and "pokok The beach, considered a sacred space for
buta-buta," traditionally revered by traditional ceremonies and spiritual
indigenous communities for their communion, serves as a poignant reminder
multifaceted uses in construction, furniture, of the profound connections between
and cultural rituals. Despite facing humanity and the natural world. Through
extinction threats due to overharvesting, active participation in the clean-up effort,
these species serve as poignant reminders participants demonstrated their dedication
of the interconnectedness between to fostering greater harmony between
humanity and the natural world. Departing communities and their natural
from Kampung Sijangkang, the ASEP 2018 environments, echoing the ethos of ASEP
itinerary found the participants in the Mah 2018's theme. Departing from Selangor,
Meri aboriginal village. The participants participants carried with them a renewed
were introduced to the rich Senoi culture, sense of purpose and commitment to
renowned for its vibrant mask dances and advocating for sustainable practices and
exquisite wooden sculptures. Welcomed cultural conservation, inspired by the
with traditional Nipah leaves crowns and invaluable gifts bestowed by tropical
mesmerizing dance performances, the rainforests and indigenous traditions.
participants were invited to explore the
village museum, where they encountered a
treasure trove of Mah Meri arts and
artifacts. Each sculpture, intricately carved
from wood, is imbued with its own
narrative, believed by the Senoi people to
possess spirits and ancestral guardianship.
The participants had also been led through
engaging hands-on activities such as
origami weaving and pandanus leaf crafting,
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