Kota Kinabalu: The Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (Foster) has extended its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) for another five years till 2029 to continue sea turtle (pic) conservation and protection programmes on Libaran Island.
The agreement was signed by Foster President Alexander Yee and SWD Director Roland Oliver Niun, witnessed by Deputy Director 1 of SWD, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, and members of Foster’s committee at the Wildlife Department office in Wisma Muis, here.
This marks the third MoU signed between the two parties, following the second agreement in August 2018. The partnership started in 2013.
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“I am delighted to extend this collaboration with Sabah Wildlife. It demonstrates the continued commitment of both parties in protecting sea turtles on Libaran,” said Yee.
He said the partnership represents an extraordinary achievement, even though it seemed impossible to achieve at the outset.
“Over the past 12 years, this conservation effort has been full of challenges. However, with the support of all parties, we have ensured that these efforts continue to bear fruit to this day,” he added.
The sea turtle conservation programme would continue to raise awareness among local residents and visitors about the importance of sea turtle conservation and providing research opportunities.
SWD will continue to offer expertise, advice, training and monitoring assistance in conservation operations, including the sea turtle hatchery process on Libaran Island, carried out by Foster through the Walai Penyu Conservation Park.
Additionally, SWD would provide training to staff involved in turtle conservation to qualify them as Honorary Wildlife Wardens, enabling them to enforce protective measures for the species. The training will be funded by Foster.
From Jan 1 2013 to July 2024, the Sea Turtle Hatchery Centre on Libaran Island has collected 35,444 Green Turtle eggs and 13,420 Hawksbill Turtle eggs, bringing the total to 48,864 eggs collected.
Out of this total, 43,826 hatchlings have successfully been released into the sea from Libaran Island’s shores, a significant achievement in conservation efforts.
