KOTA KINABALU: After 60 years since the establishment of Sabah Parks, there are now nine state parks in Sabah, which include 24 access points with recreation zones featuring a variety of tourism facilities and nine control posts throughout Sabah.
Currently, four areas have been identified and proposed for further gazetting, Darvel Bay, Lahad Datu; Mengalum Island, Kota Kinabalu; Mantanani Waters, Kota Belud; and the remains of the former Mamut mine, Ranau.
All these efforts align with the State of Sabah’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the 30×30 target to protect 30% of Malaysia’s biodiversity areas by 2030.
Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment said this during the Golden Jubilee Closing Ceremony of Sabah Parks today.
She also mentioned several achievements. A notable achievement is the bilateral agreement for the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area (TIHPA), signed on 31 May 1996, aimed at protecting sea turtles in Sabah’s Turtle Islands Park and the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary in the Philippines.
On 12 June 2014, the Crocker Range, covering 10 districts in Sabah, was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. In 2022, Kota Kinabalu hosted the 2nd IUCN Asia Parks Congress, reinforcing Sabah’s global conservation role and producing the Kota Kinabalu Declaration on the importance of protected areas.
In 2023, Sabah received its third UNESCO recognition with the Kinabalu Geopark being designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it one of three locations worldwide to hold the Triple Crown title.
“I also commend Sabah Parks for their Youth Rangers Programme, which has been implemented in many schools. In 2021, they won the InnoTech Innovation and Digital Culture Award for this programme.”
Additionally, Sipadan Island Park has generated RM16 million in revenue since its establishment in 2009 through conservation and education activities. Lastly, Sabah Parks received the Chief Minister’s Special Award on 7 December 2024, underscoring their role in global conservation and community development.
“The commitment to enhancing green technology and innovation in sustainable tourism will continue to be prioritised.”
She expressed her hope that the Sabah Parks will remain relevant and serve as a global reference model in the management of protected areas, adding that the involvement of local communities as strategic partners in conservation efforts is crucial.
“Initiatives to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of preserving natural treasures will be continued through educational programmes and initiatives such as the Sabah Parks Young Ranger Programme.”
Collaboration with international organisations in the fields of research, education, and tourism will be further strengthened, enhancing Sabah’s reputation on the global stage as a protector of biodiversity, according to her.-BNN
