SANDAKAN: The 11th Annual Beach Cleaning Programme organised by Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER), with sponsorship from Sabah Tourism Board (STB), has once again reaffirmed the organisation’s ongoing commitment to preserving the nesting habitat of sea turtles on Libaran Island.
The programme, which took place last Tuesday, saw active participation from the local community as well as continued support from the state government. FOSTER is grateful that STB has once again renewed its support this year, ensuring the continuity of the conservation-driven community beach cleaning initiative.
STB’s sponsorship covers 500 metres of the beach, equivalent to five cleaning lots. The sponsored funds are channelled to community beach cleaners in the form of an allowance of RM100 for every 100 metres cleaned daily.
This mechanism not only ensures the effectiveness of the cleaning process but also provides direct economic benefits to the participating villagers.
FOSTER extends its appreciation to STB for maintaining its commitment to environmental stewardship through continued financial support.
The beach cleaning programme is one of the most important components of FOSTER’s conservation efforts since its establishment in 2014.
A clean beach enables sea turtles to land and nest without obstruction while also maintaining the hygiene and well-being of the local community.
Beach cleaners appointed under the programme are equipped with various tools such as wheelbarrows, metal shovels and rakes to ensure consistent and orderly work quality.
This “equip before execution” approach has been one of the key factors behind the conservation success on Libaran.
Each sponsor is also recognised through the display of their logo at the section of the beach they support, as a token of appreciation for their continued contribution.
They also receive quarterly progress reports detailing cleaning records, the amount of waste collected and updates on other conservation activities in the area. This reporting system ensures transparency and professionalism throughout the programme.
Since commencing its conservation operations over a decade ago, FOSTER has successfully released more than 48,000 hatchlings into the sea—a milestone that significantly contributes to the sustainability of sea turtle populations in Sabah.
With support from government agencies, the tourism sector and the local community, these conservation efforts continue to demonstrate consistent and impactful results.
FOSTER President, Alexander Yee, expressed appreciation to all supporters who have played an important role in advancing this conservation mission.
He added a special note of gratitude to STB for its continued trust and partnership.
“Our success is the result of collaboration among many parties. We are deeply thankful to Sabah Tourism Board for continuously supporting this programme year after year.
We hope that more corporate partners and government agencies will step forward to support this beach cleaning programme, as it is crucial to the survival of sea turtle habitats in Libaran,” he said.
Beyond field activities, FOSTER emphasised that education and public awareness are essential to ensuring continuous conservation efforts.
In 2026, the organisation will strengthen its educational initiatives through community programmes, student workshops and awareness sessions with tourists to increase understanding of the threats faced by sea turtles, including plastic pollution and climate change.
As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, FOSTER also announced that the 5th Edition of Sepilok Jazz will be held in 2026.
This prestigious music event serves not only as an artistic platform but also as a charity event where 100% of ticket sales will be channelled directly to FOSTER to support conservation programmes, including beach cleaning, hatchery maintenance and the purchase of conservation equipment.
Alexander further stressed that Sepilok Jazz is an innovative approach to integrating culture, entertainment and conservation.
“We want the public to understand that conservation does not rely solely on donations. Through creative platforms like Sepilok Jazz, we can connect people with environmental issues in a more meaningful way,” he added.
FOSTER believes that the synergy between field efforts, awareness programmes and support through community events such as Sepilok Jazz will create a strong support ecosystem to ensure the survival of sea turtle species on Libaran Island.
With continuous public support, committed partners like STB and the involvement of all stakeholders, FOSTER remains optimistic that efforts to protect turtle habitats will be sustained for generations to come. – pr/BNN
