Balambangan Island, Tun Mustapha Park in Sabah’s northern Kudat.
CLOSE your eyes and imagine a kaleidoscopic palette of coral reefs, the gentle sway of seagrass beds, and the whispers of the South China Sea.
Spanning nearly 900,000ha across 50 islands in the northern tip of Sabah, the Tun Mustapha Park not only safeguards diverse ecosystems but also serves as a model for sustainable practices. It illustrates the profound impact of community-driven conservation initiatives, embodying the harmonious symphony between nature and the communities that call its shores home.
In the Tun Mustapha Park, diligent efforts have revitalised coral reefs and marine turtle populations. Over 100 individuals from government agencies, community-based organisations, NGOs, and tourism operators have contributed to coral restoration initiatives.
Approximately 2,152sq m of degraded reef areas have been revitalised with 1,600 units of coral frames, restoring 22,000 coral fragments from over 30 species.
A marine turtle hatchling heading towards the sea.
Additionally, local community group Kekal Asli Tigabu has orchestrated a 50% reduction in turtle nest poaching, further monitoring and managing a marine turtle hatchery to increase hatchling survival rates.
Meanwhile, LA’NU’s soap-making venture by the women of the Tun Mustapha Park has become a beacon of sustainability. Its income, once a ripple, has now swollen and contributes 10% to community conservation.
Beyond economics, LA’NU’s story is one of women’s empowerment, contributing not only to family tables but also to conservation initiatives. The impact resonates beyond monetary value, celebrating resilience and unity.
In the labyrinth of marine conservation, community members have become custodians of the sea, evolving into citizen scientists.
Fishers now patrol ancestral waters, bridging the gap between tradition and conservation.
Building a web using Reef Stars at Maliangin Kecil Island.
Mohd Yusof, a guardian patrolling the azure expanse, embodies this connection. For him, TMP’s management plan is more than bureaucracy; it’s a shared narrative for safeguarding, an ode to the community’s commitment etched in every ripple.
“There’s a sense of satisfaction in doing this. It helps the authorities. We act as their eyes and ears because we care about our area,” he said.
TMP now sets its sights on the global stage, pursuing recognition through the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List.
Currently in the “Candidacy Phase,” the park aims to showcase itself as a beacon of collaborative, effective management, and equitable governance. Through this journey, TMP is set to deliver more impactful conservation outcomes, aligning with a credible global sustainable standard.
TMP’s journey towards the IUCN Green List is a tale of aspirations reaching beyond horizons, seeking acknowledgment not only for the park but for every hand that has shaped its destiny.
TMP is not just a marine protected area, it’s a living saga of triumphs and transformations. — By WWF Malaysia - Marine Programme
