KINABATANGAN: Some 40 students and teachers from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bilit here participated various activities held in conjunction with World’s Elephant Day celebrated yearly on Aug 12.
The one-day programme held on Sunday at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan was officiated by RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect) Chairman, Alexander Yee Kok Tsen.
Activities included an educational talk on elephants, Napier Grass planting and interactive sessions such as trivia quizzes and crafts.
Alexander said as part of the Napier Grass planting programme, over 1,600kg of Napier Grass plants were planted on half an acre of land.
“The planting activity involved students, teachers, the Respect team and our partners from Nature Lodge Kinabatangan,” he said.
The programme aims to provide valuable exposure and experience to students regarding the importance of elephant conservation and the threats faced by this species.
Additionally, the programme highlights Respect’s mission to promote and implement effective elephant conservation strategies through education, community involvement and sustainable practices.
“We aim to create a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants by fostering a deeper understanding and respect for these magnificent creatures.
“In alignment with our ongoing conservation efforts, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment is championing a transformative initiative to establish a food corridor for Borneo’s pygmy elephants.
“This project is designed to create a sustainable habitat, ensuring a reliable food source for these endangered giants while minimising human-elephants conflicts,” he said.
Currently, the Ministry is finalising the strategic details with the support of a generous Japanese donor, with the aim of launching a pioneering conservation model that will significantly bolster the long-term survival of elephants.
