Len Talif: S'wak wants to protect biodiversity through proactive, enforceable systems
KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government will continue to champion evidence-based policymaking and integrate conservation priorities into legislation, development frameworks and community planning to support wildlife conservation.
Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said Sarawak aims to protect, not just preserve, its biodiversity through proactive, inclusive and enforceable systems.
'In Sarawak, we believe that effective conservation cannot stand apart from policy. It must be part of broader governance—urban planning, sustainable land use and environmental stewardship,' he said at the 17th Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) workshop held at a hotel here yesterday.
Len Talif said habitat loss, emerging diseases, climate change and transboundary were the challenges Sarawak faces in wildlife conservation.
Given this, he said workshops like OVAG were more than technical events since they are investments in human capital.
'By building the capacity of veterinarians, rangers and researchers through practical learning and peer exchange, OVAG is helping to build a regional ecosystem of expertise that can respond effectively to crises, conduct high-quality research, and lead change on the ground,' he said.
With this, he said Sarawak takes pride in partnering with OVAG and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in this important initiative, adding that this partnership must go further.
Len Talif added that Sarawak envisions long-term collaboration—joint research, conservation strategy development, training hubs and even field innovation centres—to support both orangutan welfare and broader wildlife health.
Meanwhile, OVAG co-founder Steve Unwin said the group began with a simple but powerful idea that collaboration across borders and disciplines could elevate the care and conservation of orangutans, gibbons and other wildlife.
Founded by passionate individuals who saw the need for a united health voice, he said OVAG has grown into a vibrant, global community of practice.
'Our community has grown from 30 participants in the first workshop in 2009, to over 400 now who had joined our workshop until this year's 17th event.
'We are more than a network—we are a family bound not just by technical expertise, but by a shared culture of care, respect and belonging. We celebrate our similarities, embrace our differences and recognise that together, we are mighty,' he said.
Earlier, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said their teams were in the field daily tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the rugged forests of Batang Ai to the critical habitats in Lanjak Entimau and Ulu Sebuyau.
He pointed out that their efforts were only made possible through strong veterinary partnerships, be it treating injured orangutans, conducting routine checks or responding to disease threats.
'One of our goals is to empower young Sarawakians to lead in conservation science. Through OVAG's inclusive platform, they gain exposure, mentorship and the confidence to take on future challenges.
'Together, we are building not just skills but a regional community ready to face crises, protect wildlife and shape a better future,' he said. biodiversity Len Talif Salleh wildlife conservation
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S'wak wants to protect biodiversity through proactive, enforceable systems — Len Talif
Len Talif (centre) with Unwin (second left), Abang Arabi (second right) and others at the symbolic launch of the 17th OVAG Workshop. — Photo via SFC Facebook KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government will continue to champion evidence-based policymaking and integrate conservation priorities into legislation, development frameworks and community planning to support wildlife conservation. Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said Sarawak aims to protect, not just preserve, its biodiversity through proactive, inclusive and enforceable systems. 'In Sarawak, we believe that effective conservation cannot stand apart from policy. It must be part of broader governance—urban planning, sustainable land use and environmental stewardship,' he said at the 17th Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) workshop held at a hotel here yesterday. Len Talif said habitat loss, emerging diseases, climate change and transboundary were the challenges Sarawak faces in wildlife conservation. Given this, he said workshops like OVAG were more than technical events since they are investments in human capital. 'By building the capacity of veterinarians, rangers and researchers through practical learning and peer exchange, OVAG is helping to build a regional ecosystem of expertise that can respond effectively to crises, conduct high-quality research, and lead change on the ground,' he said. With this, he said Sarawak takes pride in partnering with OVAG and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in this important initiative, adding that this partnership must go further. Len Talif added that Sarawak envisions long-term collaboration—joint research, conservation strategy development, training hubs and even field innovation centres—to support both orangutan welfare and broader wildlife health. Meanwhile, OVAG co-founder Steve Unwin said the group began with a simple but powerful idea that collaboration across borders and disciplines could elevate the care and conservation of orangutans, gibbons and other wildlife. Founded by passionate individuals who saw the need for a united health voice, he said OVAG has grown into a vibrant, global community of practice. 'Our community has grown from 30 participants in the first workshop in 2009, to over 400 now who had joined our workshop until this year's 17th event. 'We are more than a network—we are a family bound not just by technical expertise, but by a shared culture of care, respect and belonging. We celebrate our similarities, embrace our differences and recognise that together, we are mighty,' he said. Earlier, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said their teams were in the field daily tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the rugged forests of Batang Ai to the critical habitats in Lanjak Entimau and Ulu Sebuyau. He pointed out that their efforts were only made possible through strong veterinary partnerships, be it treating injured orangutans, conducting routine checks or responding to disease threats. 'One of our goals is to empower young Sarawakians to lead in conservation science. Through OVAG's inclusive platform, they gain exposure, mentorship and the confidence to take on future challenges. 'Together, we are building not just skills but a regional community ready to face crises, protect wildlife and shape a better future,' he said. biodiversity Len Talif Salleh wildlife conservation
Borneo Post
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Len Talif (centre) with Unwin (second left), Abang Arabi (second right) and others at the symbolic launch of the 17th OVAG Workshop. — Photo via SFC Facebook KUCHING (July 21): The Sarawak government will continue to champion evidence-based policymaking and integrate conservation priorities into legislation, development frameworks and community planning to support wildlife conservation. Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said Sarawak aims to protect, not just preserve, its biodiversity through proactive, inclusive and enforceable systems. 'In Sarawak, we believe that effective conservation cannot stand apart from policy. It must be part of broader governance—urban planning, sustainable land use and environmental stewardship,' he said at the 17th Orangutan Veterinary Advisory Group (OVAG) workshop held at a hotel here yesterday. Len Talif said habitat loss, emerging diseases, climate change and transboundary were the challenges Sarawak faces in wildlife conservation. Given this, he said workshops like OVAG were more than technical events since they are investments in human capital. 'By building the capacity of veterinarians, rangers and researchers through practical learning and peer exchange, OVAG is helping to build a regional ecosystem of expertise that can respond effectively to crises, conduct high-quality research, and lead change on the ground,' he said. With this, he said Sarawak takes pride in partnering with OVAG and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in this important initiative, adding that this partnership must go further. Len Talif added that Sarawak envisions long-term collaboration—joint research, conservation strategy development, training hubs and even field innovation centres—to support both orangutan welfare and broader wildlife health. Meanwhile, OVAG co-founder Steve Unwin said the group began with a simple but powerful idea that collaboration across borders and disciplines could elevate the care and conservation of orangutans, gibbons and other wildlife. Founded by passionate individuals who saw the need for a united health voice, he said OVAG has grown into a vibrant, global community of practice. 'Our community has grown from 30 participants in the first workshop in 2009, to over 400 now who had joined our workshop until this year's 17th event. 'We are more than a network—we are a family bound not just by technical expertise, but by a shared culture of care, respect and belonging. We celebrate our similarities, embrace our differences and recognise that together, we are mighty,' he said. Earlier, SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said their teams were in the field daily tracking, rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the rugged forests of Batang Ai to the critical habitats in Lanjak Entimau and Ulu Sebuyau. He pointed out that their efforts were only made possible through strong veterinary partnerships, be it treating injured orangutans, conducting routine checks or responding to disease threats. 'One of our goals is to empower young Sarawakians to lead in conservation science. Through OVAG's inclusive platform, they gain exposure, mentorship and the confidence to take on future challenges. 'Together, we are building not just skills but a regional community ready to face crises, protect wildlife and shape a better future,' he said. biodiversity Len Talif Salleh wildlife conservation
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