UMS, YS to collaborate on tropical biology, conservation
Published on: Friday, November 29, 2019
By: Ottey Peter
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Yayasan Sabah Group on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on research and training in the field of tropical biology and conservation in Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon.
It were signed between UMS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin and Datuk Jamalul Kiram Datuk Mohd Zakaria, Yayasan Sabah Group Director, in a ceremony held at Hotelab, UMS, here.
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Dr Taufiq said the MoU is a continuity of collaboration between both sides.
“UMS and Yayasan Sabah have long collaborated in the areas of research, education and training through the organising of expeditions, seminars and short courses.
“I hope with the MoU today will further strengthen the long-standing partnership between UMS and Yayasan Sabah, and is a strategic start that will open up more collaborations for the benefit of both parties,” he said.
He said the MoU was aimed at developing and promoting research, education and training programmes in the Yayasan Sabah conservation areas.
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“UMS management is always welcome to any suggestions from the Yayasan Sabah to evaluate the future of this partnership.
“At the same time, it is possible to develop a foundation that is shaped by this understanding for mutual benefit, whether upstream or downstream,” he said.
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Jamalul said the collaboration with UMS will further strengthen and expand their research projects related to the biodiversity of tropical forests around the concession areas of Yayasan Sabah, especially in the Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon.
He said through the research activities, it will also provide employment for young people around the areas.
“This understanding can also help UMS maximise its existing expertise and capacity in conducting research in the field of forest management and exploration of biodiversity like flora, fauna, fungi and so on.
“In this regard, Yayasan Sabah Group is committed to the success of research initiatives by providing trained researchers and infrastructure such as accommodation and laboratory equipment,” he said.
“The research activities will surely open up job more job opportunities for young people around the area such as porters, forest rangers and research assistants,” he said.
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He said Yayasan Sabah has set minimum fees for students and researchers who have permit to conduct research in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon.
He hoped the MoU will generate more researches that will give impact to the development of the natural resources sector in Sabah.