05-08-2025
Sabah Parks research has global impact
Published on: Tuesday, August 05, 2025
Published on: Tue, Aug 05, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Peter (right), Rimi (left) and guests holding copies of the Sabah Parks junior ranger module. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Parks aims to become a future centre of excellence in tropical ecosystem research and community conservation education. Chairman of the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Datuk Peter Lintar, said research conducted in Sabah Parks has the potential to make a significant impact on the management of protected areas, not only at the local level but also globally. 'Our success in achieving the Unesco Triple Crown recognition is proof that we are on the right track. 'And I believe we can attain similar standards across all parks under our stewardship,' he said during the launch of the Sabah Parks Scientific Research Seminar 2025 at a hotel. He reminded everyone that research efforts must align with the organisation's vision and mission, while also supporting the Sabah Parks Strategic Plan. He said the plan outlines nine biologically diverse areas of global importance, ensuring that these parks are well managed so their heritage is preserved for the benefit of the people of Sabah and humanity at large.
Advertisement Despite the El Niño phenomenon that caused severe coral bleaching worldwide last year, he said Sabah remains one of the regions still rich in biological treasures. He said the Greenhouse Gas Inventory report, presented in the State Legislative Assembly recently, showed that Sabah is among the few states that absorb more carbon than they emit. 'Therefore, our duty is not only to protect, but also to ensure that this wealth is understood, studied and wisely passed on,' he said. He said researchers must translate complex phenomena into reports that can be understood by the general public and park management. 'Scientific communication bridges the gap between discovery and practical application. It ensures that knowledge from research does not remain locked in laboratories and journal papers but is applied for the benefit of society and decision-makers,' he said. Peter also launched the Sabah Parks Junior Ranger Education Module, an educational document marking the beginning of a transformation. It is an initiative to instil conservation values through a fun and ecosystem-based approach rooted in the local environment. Sabah Parks Deputy Director, Rimi Repin, said the scientific seminar was first held in 2008. After 13 years, they have come together again to present research papers by various units from Sabah Parks in this sixth seminar, themed The Contribution of Science and Education in the Management and Protection of Sabah Parks, in alignment with the draft Strategic Plan Goals 2026 to 2036. Findings from past research have led to recommendations and guidance for improving policies, management and park operations, she said. For example, she said the recommendation to close several diving areas in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park last year was based on scientific data on coral bleaching incidents, while the eradication of invasive plant species in Kinabalu Park has been carried out over the past two years as part of ecosystem management efforts. The seminar has five main objectives: to showcase the latest research conducted by Sabah Parks research officers; to encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience among researchers and other divisions; and to raise awareness of the contribution of science in the management and protection of Sabah's parks. The other objectives are to serve as a platform for discussion and the formation of future strategies in research and conservation; and to strengthen strategic networks with research institutions, authorities and the local scientific community. A total of 12 papers from various Sabah Parks divisions will be presented at the seminar, covering topics ranging from environmental science, social science and community, public education, to effective management. * 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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