Latest news with #SophiaLim
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Annual run returns to spotlight coexistence with wildlife
The charity run will highlight human-wildlife coexistence. — Filepic THE 'Run for Tigers' charity event taking place on July 26 returns with a call for coexistence between people and wildlife, in conjunction with Global Tiger Day 2025. Organised by WWF Malaysia in collaboration with Maybank, this Saturday's 3.5km fun run will take place at Padang Semarak in Putrajaya Wetlands Park. This year's theme, 'Stride for Stripes', aims to raise awareness of the Malayan tiger's plight and urgent need to move from human-wildlife conflict towards coexistence. This comes after a spate of tragic encounters between communities and wild animals over the past year. A portion of the event's proceeds will go directly to conservation, with RM10 from each registration used for WWF Malaysia's tiger conservation initiatives. 'Tiger conservation is about more than just preventing extinction; it is about securing a balanced future where both people and wildlife can thrive,' said WWF Malaysia chief executive officer and executive director Sophia Lim. 'The Malayan tiger is a symbol of our natural heritage and its survival hinges on how well we can address human-wildlife conflict and shift towards a future of coexistence. 'Through collective effort, awareness and compassion, we can build that future together,' she said. Malaysia's Malayan tiger population remains critically endangered while continued encroachment into forested habitats increase the likelihood of conflict, putting both humans and tigers at risk. The Maybank-WWF Malaysia partnership, since 2016, has supported anti-poaching patrols, prey recovery, community empowerment and the strengthening of Conservation Assured|Tiger Standards (CA|TS) site management. The partnership has also enabled over 100 rangers to cover more than 70,000sq km of forests and deactivating 240 snares. 'From conflict to coexistence –that is the path we must pursue,' said Maybank Foundation chief executive officer and Maybank group corporate affairs head Izlyn Ramli. 'Through our collaboration with WWF Malaysia, we are not only safeguarding wildlife but also fostering safer environments for people living near forests. 'By investing in anti-poaching patrols, ecological monitoring, and community engagement, we are demonstrating how responsible corporate partnerships can help address long-term conservation challenges,' she emphasised. Izlyn said 'Run for Tigers' was a step toward protecting one of the world's most iconic species.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Tun Mustapha Park to undergo Green List Evaluation
KOTA KINABALU: The Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) is now preparing for its International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List Evaluation, said WWF-Malaysia. Its chief executive officer, Sophia Lim, said the site is one of Sabah's iconic marine protected areas which is managed by Sabah Parks. "This process involves assessing how well the park is managed and protected to meet international standards. "It reflects Sabah's ongoing, collective commitment to conservation excellence. Together, we can make it happen," she said in a statement. Located on the North of Sabah, TMP was officially gazetted and established in May 19, 2016, making it the biggest natural park and the first multi-use park in Malaysia. The 898,000ha park is home to over 528 species of fish, 250 species of coral, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, and iconic species such as whale sharks and whales. Last month, Sabah Parks received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for planting 12,000 coral fragments off the park. Commenting on Pin Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR) in Kinabatangan having officially been awarded IUCN Green List status, Lim said that it was a testament to the commitment to conserving biodiversity while supporting economic growth and social inclusion. "The partnership between the Sabah Forestry Department and KOPEL (Tourism Corporative) is inspiring, representing over two decades of dedicated, community-driven conservation. "We hope to see more protected and conserved areas across Malaysia achieve this global standard. "This milestone highlights the success of local collaboration and places Pin Supu Forest Reserve alongside some of the world's best-managed Protected Areas." The certification, which was issued in May and valid for a period of five years, places Pin Supu Forest Reserve as among the world's best-managed and most effectively governed protected areas. Pin Supu is a Class VI Virgin Forest Reserve, encompassing 4,620 hectares, surrounded by five villages to assist in conservation projects. A 10-year joint forest management agreement (2016-2026) was established between the Sabah government through the SFD and Kopel Bhd.
