Raleigh Borneo ends Sabah operations
Published on: Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Raleigh Borneo has decided to bring its expedition operations in Sabah to a close, ending 31 years of impactful presence and meaningful contribution to thousands of lives as well as to conservation and the environment.Since 1987 Raleigh Borneo has partnered with over 6,000 young people from Malaysia and across the world to make meaningful and lasting positive change to nearly 30,000 people in rural communities, nine conservation areas and 24 environmental sites in Sabah.Throughout the three decades it focused on providing communities with access to safe water and sanitation, building resilience in communities and contributing to conservation, protection and research in one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet. All of Raleigh Borneo's programmes directly align with and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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The decision to close its expedition operations was taken in the context of Malaysia being a High Development Index (HDI) country, which is the highest of any countries that Raleigh International currently works in.The HDI is a statistical tool used to measure a country's overall achievement in its social and economic dimensions. The social and economic dimensions of a country are based on the health of people, their level of education attainment and standard of living.Raleigh International's strategy for 2017-2020 commits to supporting young people in low and medium HDI countries.In Sabah, the international sustainable development charity organisation has left a proud legacy. It has worked in 110 communities to bring clean water, sanitation and access to education. This work had included the construction of 85 gravity water systems and 31 community learning centres.
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It has delivered projects in nine conservation areas, including four globally important tropical rainforest ecosystems, supported Sabah's conservation efforts and inspired generations of environmental advocates."We're proud of what Raleigh Borneo has achieved these 31 years, in partnership with so many organisations and communities in Sabah," said Raleigh Borneo Programmes Manager Adam J. Young.
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But with the closing of one chapter, an exciting new one begins. Raleigh Borneo would not want to leave Sabah without passing the baton over to Raleigh Sabah Society and Raleigh International Kuala Lumpur to continue the good work.Collectively known as Raleigh Malaysia, they will continue to engage young people as partners in the design and delivery of projects and expeditions.The two societies, made up of Raleigh alumni, have pledged to join forces and undertake a series of collaborative expeditions across both East and West Malaysia. Their shared vision includes carrying out volunteer projects with the same level of impact and standard of operational safety that Raleigh programmes deliver across the globe."I'm filled with optimism and excited for what will be achieved by Raleigh Malaysia. I'm always humbled by the passion and dedication of their members, and their desire to carry on the mission of Raleigh Borneo. The future of our work in Malaysia is in safe and capable hands," Young commented.Plans for the first Raleigh Malaysia Expedition are well underway and set to take place next year.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"The Maliau Basin project will be our first collaboration under one name as Raleigh Malaysia," said Raleigh Sabah Society Secretary Nor Hafidzah Abin.The baton was passed to the national societies during an event last weekend to celebrate the achievements and impact of Raleigh Borneo's 31-year outstanding contributions to Sabah, its communities and biodiversity in general.