Rotary's mangrove initiative lauded
Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025
By: Jeremy S Zabala Text Size: Sabin with Chenderamata, Jeanette and others during the Project Kelip-Kelip to Restore Mangroves and Firefly Habitats in Kampung Darau. Kota Kinabalu: Private sectors, education institutions and non-governmental bodies are urged to continuously provide their support as well as play their roles in implementing projects that would help highlight the city's natural beauty that could boom into eco-tourism attraction. Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said there are non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have gone great lengths to collaborate with other agencies to plan and carry out projects that focused on ecosystem rehabilitation but also establishing a foundation for eco-tourism.
Advertisement He cited the initiative by Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK Pearl) in collaborating with the Kampung Darau community and other strategic partners to conserve the Sungai Darau ecological environment. 'As a city known for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Kota Kinabalu is in dire need of such initiatives so the balance between development and sustainability can be sustainably maintained. 'This project basically focuses on restoring the mangrove ecosystem through the planting of more than 6,000 saplings, in addition to introducing a firefly conservation program based on scientific studies and field research by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). 'What is even more impressive is the holistic approach taken, in which elements of education, community awareness, regenerative tourism and youth involvement are also made the main core,' he said at the launching of Kelip-Kelip Project to Restore Mangroves and Firefly Habitats in Kampung Darau, here, last Sunday. Also present were RCKK Pearl President Chenderamata Sinteh, RCKK Pearl Vice President Datin Dr Jeanette Tambakau, Immediate Past President Rosie Chong and Former President Datuk Eliza Goh, among others. Through such project, he said positive impact will not only affect the physical area of Darau Wetland but also enrich minds of the local community as well as visitors regarding the values and function of nature. He added that the project is the best example of how a conservation initiative can be a catalyst for social and economic innovation, thus forming a sustainable ecosystem that reinforces each other between nature and people. 'I am also appreciative towards the community development approach practiced here, in which Koperasi Darau Berhad and Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism have played vital role in ensuring that the benefits of this project can be enjoyed by locals directly and in the long term,' he added. Sabin also expressed his gratitude to parties that have showed commitment and played vital roles in the project in which he said would be possible due to the collaboration of various organisations, even from overseas, that have joined hands to make the programme a success. He said such collaboration highlights the spirit of cross-border solidarity that should be promoted continuously to face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. 'Collaboration with UMS as the research leader, financial support from the Rotary Clubs of Malaysia Foundation, active involvement of Rotary members from abroad such as RC Makati Emerald, RC Metro KL, RC Kulai Johor and RC Taichung Hui Min from Taiwan, clearly proves that the environmental conservation agenda is not only local, but also global. 'This project is also aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as action on climate change, conservation of aquatic and terrestrial life, and development of inclusive and sustainable communities. 'With a total funding target of RM69,275, I believe the social, environmental and economic returns from this project far outweigh its financial value,' he added. Project Kelip-Kelip at Kg Darau Laut, Manggatal, is an eco-tourism and conservation initiative to restore mangrove ecosystems, firefly habitats and promote sustainable eco-tourism in Sabah which was carried out organised by the RCKK Pearl. Meanwhile, Chenderamata said the project included planting of some 6,000 mangrove trees, launching of the 'Let's Make Them Glow Again' firefly rehabilitation initiative, scenic boat rides along Darau River, eco workshops by UMS and local experts. As a continuation of a project in 2017 and 2018, she said the planting of trees were carried out together with the Darau community aimed to make the area into a community-based ecotourism spot which have been realised. With the existing facilities, she also said visitors will be able to experience scenic view through boat rides along the river which shows the natural beauty that could be found in the city itself. 'We (RCKK Pearl) have started the project (of mangrove planting) 2017 and 2018 which will further solidify through this year's collaboration with the Darau community by planting more mangrove trees. 'Following discussions with the village chief and Darau Co-operative members, we have been informed that UMS are currently carrying out research on 'kelip-kelip' (firefly) conservation and habitat rehabilitation in this area. 'We have also agreed to collaborate in this conservation programme as the ecosystem in this area is suitable for the rehabilitation of fireflies,' she added. Chenderamata also expressed gratitude to collaborators and supporters for the programme. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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