Tag - Environment

Kota Kinabatangan: A female Sunda clouded leopard was trapped and fitted with a satellite collar for the first time ever by conservationist studying the movement of the endangered carnivore in the Lower Kinabatangan area. The clouded leopard, named Rahsia and weighing 9.9kg, was caught in one of the traps set up along the Kinabatangan River in the vicinity of the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) on Aug 15. WildCru team member Andrew Hearn, who is a PhD student with Oxford University, said on Monday that the leopard was the fourth wild leopard collared, with this one being the first female. "After over a year and a half trapping each and every day, the capture of this healthy female cloudy we named Rahsia, is a real breakthrough for our project. "We are hopeful that the data stemming from her collar will provide essential insights into her movements that will enable the development of appropriate conservation actions for her species," added Hearn. He said the capture of the female leopard had come a few days after they had caught another female (which was previously captured in September 2013) but it was too small to be collared. The collaborative project is being carried out by the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), WildCRU and DGFC and is aimed at focusing on research and conservation of the Sunda clouded leopard and other carnivores in Sabah. Its funded by Sime Darby Foundation, with additional funding and support provided by Atlanta Zoo, Houston Zoo, Recanati-kaplan Foundation, Robertson Foundation, Point Defiance Zoo, The Clouded Leopard Project and Rufford Foundation. Project leader Dr Benoit Goossens, who is DGFC director, said the collaring of the female clouded leopard was part of an intensive satellite tracking programme to study the spatial ecology and habitat associations of the Sunda clouded leopard and other carnivores in the fragmented landscape of the Lower Kinabatangan. "Our research is playing an important role in Sunda clouded leopard conservation and management. Regardless of the level of efforts focused on maintaining and increasing the amount of natural habitat, we are ultimately fighting a losing battle, as we can currently see in the Kinabatangan. "Therefore, understanding how wildlife is using this ever-changing landscape will help us mitigating and hopefully reducing the level of threats posed by the changing landscape," Goossens added. Source: Daily Express

Kota Kinabalu: Yayasan Sabah and Petronas on Friday launched the RM77 million development of the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC) poised to become a central hub for research and studies on environment biodiversity here. The 27-hectare ICSC project, implemented under Phase Two of the Yayasan Sabah-Petronas Imbak Canyon Conservation Partnership near the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) near Ulu Kinabatangan, is scheduled for completion in 2016. It would house an office complex, laboratories, research stations, education complex and other related facilities. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman who launched the ceremony said the State Government is always committed and very proactive in preserving the natural resources of Sabah. Also present was Yayasan Sabah Director Datuk Sapawi Ahmad. "Regardless of whether it is a small or large scale project, it is our priority, particularly through Yayasan Sabah, to continue to ensure that this valuable ecology is managed efficiently and effectively," he said. He said, however, that environment preservation is not easy as it demands high expertise, experience, commitment and funds. "Thus, we are very appreciative of Petronas for the funding of RM77 million for the development of the ICSC in collaboration with Yayasan Sabah," he said. Musa, who is also Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees Chairman, said the State Government welcomes the setting up of such study center, adding that the collaboration between Yayasan Sabah and Petronas via ICSC is clear proof of the high commitment towards environment preservation efforts. "At the same time, it also enables us to share information on the best measures towards development and success without polluting or destroying the environment. "On the long term, ICSC will produce more scientists and local experts who are capable of creating the best formula to prevent extinction of the fauna and flora," he said, urging every quarter to support the research, training and studies in Imbak Canyon to ensure the facilities in ICSC are fully benefited from. Musa also expressed confidence on ICSC being an excellent center for research, training and studies, similar to Danum Valley, which is famous throughout the world. "I hope the Malaysia Science Academy will be involved for a long term in Imbak Canyon similar to how The Royal Society, United Kingdom assisted in developing the research, training and studies at Danum Valley 30 years ago until now," he said. Meanwhile, Sapawi added that the ICSC would strengthen the position of ICCA as a centre of learning in biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, as well as for gene bank conservation and exploration for pharmaceutical and biotechnology potentials. Petronas President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Shamsul Azhar Abbas who also attended the ceremony said that the partnership between Yayasan Sabah and Petronas represents both organisations' solemn commitment towards preserving pristine ecology for the benefit of present and future generations. Under Phase 1, Petronas contributed RM6 million in 2010 to support Yayasan Sabah's activities in conserving Imbak Canyon for three years. The activities include environmental education, community outreach, public awareness, research, ethno-forestry study and documentation, capacity building, formulation of the ICCA management plan and initial works toward the construction of ICSC. With the latest funding, Petronas has committed a total of RM83 million towards conserving the Imbak Canyon. In addition, the fund was also used for the construction of the Imbak Canyon Information Centre and a jetty, located in Kg. Imbak, as well as establishment of Porters and Guides Association. The 30,000 hectare ICCA is a pristine rainforest located deep in the heart of Sabah and it is one of the four conservation areas managed by Yayasan Sabah. The other conservation areas are the Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Silam Coast. In 2003, Yayasan Sabah voluntarily designated ICCA as a conservation area for research, education, training and recreational. In 2009, it was formally given legal protection as a Class 1 (Protection) Forest Reserve by the State Government. Source: Daily Express

KOTA KINABALU: Giant mudskippers and unidentified crabs are among the new animal species discovered in a mangrove forest along Sabah’s east coast. Researchers in a scientific expedition to the Tundon Bohangin region believe they have stumbled across species of crabs that have yet to be recorded by science. They spotted the giant mudskippers which were about 20cm long during the expedition to the area which is part of the 80,000ha Lower Kinabatangan Segama Wetlands (LKSW), the largest of the six Ramsar sites in Malaysia. (A Ramsar site is an internationally recognised wetland for its significance on conservation and wise use of its resources). He noted that the researchers had sighted diverse wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, tembadau (wild buffaloes), silver leaf monkeys and Bornean gibbons apart from estuarine crocodiles during the expedition from June 16-26. Diverse bird species such as the collared kingfisher, white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, Storm’s stork, rhinoceros hornbill and oriental darter were also sighted in the area. The mangrove tree nymph butterfly and the bee-like dragonfly were among the interesting insects found in Tundon Bohangin and villagers there said fireflies could be seen at night. “Tundon Bohangin is not only significant in terms of biodiversity. The area has great ecotourism potential with the Lower Kinabatangan area fast reaching its capacity in terms of the number of visitors,” Mannan said. About two hours by speedboat from Sandakan, the area was declared a Ramsar site about five years ago. Since then, the department had constructed a field centre adjacent to the village there. A management plan was jointly formulated by the Sabah Biodi­versity Centre, Natural Resources Office and the department in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) to manage this site. The 60-member expedition funded by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry was organised because not much was scientifically known about Tundon Bohan­gin. Source : The Star

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s 350,854ha Crocker Range has been approved as a Biosphere Reserve by the International Coordinating Council for Biosphere Reserve (CRBR), a programme under Unesco. “The 26th meeting of the coordinating council at Jonkoping University in Sweden gave its unanimous approval for Crocker Range,” said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun in a statement. He said the Malaysian delegation was headed by Natural Resource and Environment Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Zoal Azha Yusoff, while the state government was represented by Sabah Parks director Jamili Nais and Sabah Biodiversity Centre director Dr Abdul Fatah Amir. He said the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve covers 350,584ha of terrestrial ecosystems and natural landscapes, making it the largest protected area in Malaysia. Kinabalu Park was made a World Heritage site in 2000 and Ulu Segama-Kinabatangan a Ramsar Site in 2009. “The CRBR is not only crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, but also in providing water resources for the more than one million population within the west coast and interior parts of Sabah,” he said. More importantly, CRBR is a platform for sustainable development, where interaction and involvement of people in the decision-making process is compulsory, and development is based on continuous scientific research and monitoring. “Under the leadership of Sabah Parks as the lead agency of the CRBR management, and with the strong commitment and support from other relevant stakeholders, we would ensure this international recognition continues to be maintained,” said Masidi. CRBR is located on the west coast of Sabah and southern part of the Mount Kinabalu (a World Heritage Site). It stretches about 120km north and south, and 40 km east and west. The core zone (144,492 ha) of CRBR consists of the legally protected Crocker Range Park (139,919ha) and three forest reserves covering an area of 4,573ha. The core zone is covered by natural vegetation, which is ecologically connected and surrounded by a legally managed buffer zone (60,313 ha) and transition zone (145,779 ha) comprising 257 villages. The decision to nominate CRBR was done by the Kota Kinabalu mayor, eight district offices (Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Tenom, Keningau, Tambunan, Ranau and Tuaran) as well as assemblymen of the constituencies within the areas. As the designation does not involve any land acquisition, but merely a commitment to protect and conserve the area by means of existing relevant laws and enhanced land use and environmental practices, the stakeholders and local communities agreed to the proposal which led to the decision of the Sabah cabinet to approve the nomination of CRBR on Oct 19, 2011. Source: The Star

Tuaran: Growth must be both inclusive and environmentally sound to reduce poverty and build a shared prosperity. In stating this here Saturday, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun reiterated the Government's commitment to sustainable development. He said it had been part of their effort in meeting the needs of future generations. Therefore, he explained that the ministry along with its agencies had offered recognition to those who strive to protect, manage or restore natural heritage. Masidi said this in his speech delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming during the Environmental Forum and Mangrove Tree Planting Project sponsored by Talisman Malaysia Limited in conjunction with World Environment Day 2014 at Shangri-la's Rasa Ria Resort, here. He hoped Talisman Malaysia would also consider initiating recognition for innovative and outstanding environment programmes to complement the award programmes that are already in place. The programme was attended by 160 engineering students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Masidi later urged the undergraduates to embrace the concept of sustainable development. "I find it most appropriate that this forum is targeted at engineering undergraduates as they will soon be in the forefront of project developments in their respective careers," he said. According to him, students who acquired environmental awareness would have the capability to personalise environmental issues. It would not only make others realise their responsibilities but also their power to become agents of change in support of sustainable and equitable development, he said. Earlier, he expressed his satisfaction towards Talisman Malaysia for taking the leading role on World Environment Day. Talisman Malaysia's, Kinabalu Asset Manager, Duncan Smart, said they had covered much ground since their arrival in Sabah two years ago. "We are passionate about helping local communities in which we do business," he said, adding that their focus is on the environment, education and health. The forum, he said, represented the extension of their commitment in sharing different approaches and knowledge on sustainable development to students who will pursue their careers in various industries. Source: Daily Express