Kota Kinabalu: The Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) in Kudat is striving for international acclaim as a model for effective marine conservation.
This 900,000-hectare marine protected area spanning 50 islands is pursuing recognition from the prestigious International Union for Conservation Nature (IUCN) Green List.
The IUCN Green List is a global campaign for successful nature conservation. It provides guidance to help achieve fair and effective nature conservation in protected areas and helps ensue wildlife and ecosystem can survive and thrive.
WWF-Malaysia in a statement said that this pursuit is about “aspirations reaching beyond horizons” and recognizing all who shaped TMP’s transformation into a potential global model.
TMP’s candidacy for the IUCN Green List showcases the collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, NGOs and the tourism industry to preserve Sabah’s rich marine ecosystems.
Through coral restoration initiatives, over 22,000 coral fragments from 30 species have been replanted across 2,152 square meters of degraded reefs.
On Tigabu Island, the Kekal Asli group has reduced turtle egg poaching by 50 per cent through monitoring nests and managing a hatchery. Their dedication has revived these nesting shores.
Women from the LA’NU soap-making collective are also playing a role, generating nearly RM3, 000 in income while contributing 10 per cent to community conservation projects.
Their venture empowers women while protecting the environment.
Beyond economic benefits, TMP is fostering a new generation of “citizen scientists” from the fishing community to help patrol waters and collect data.
“There’s satisfaction in doing this...we act as the authorities’ eyes and ears because we care about our area,” said fisherman, Mohd Yusof.
If successful in obtaining IUCN Green List status, TMP would demonstrate Sabah’s commitment to nature conservation and sustainable practices benefiting local communities.
