KOTA KINABALU: Sabah hopes to adopt Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in waters off Tawau as a source of renewable energy, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said harnessing ocean thermal energy was part of the state's Blue Economy goals under the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda.
"In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah," he said in his speech at the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia in Semporna,Thursday (July 24).
In line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy, Hajiji gave his assurance that the state government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna were well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but provide benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah.
The Chief Minister said that the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change.
He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and that their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
"I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem," he said in his speech delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He said the celebration's theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development", is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future.
"This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants, and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives," he said.
"By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations," he said.
He said that the concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development.
Conservation efforts, however, he said, needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general.
He said the state government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations.
