Siti (orange headscarf) and participants learning to plant corals.
Communities learn to preserve marine biodiversity in Selakan Island programme.
MARINE species such as fish and corals not only attract visitors to islands but also form the backbone of sea tourism.
However, these ecosystems must be preserved and protected – not only by industry players and conservationists but also by local communities, Sabah Parks said.
To raise awareness, Sabah Parks organised an integrated programme for local marine and coastal communities on Semporna’s Selakan Island from Nov 21-24.
The “Community, Coral and Future Opportunities” programme aimed to show participants their roles as guardians of the sea, highlighting why conservation is essential and fostering a deep sense of responsibility.
Throughout the programme, participants learned about underwater ecosystems, marine diversity and how local communities can actively protect these environments.
Corals prepared for restoration.
Tracy Lim, Sabah Parks’ coral restoration research officer, said participants were taught about corals and the many other species that inhabit the ocean, as well as the human role in enriching and managing the marine ecosystem.
An adopt-a-coral initiative was introduced, allowing locals to plant their own corals in monitored environments until they are ready to be transplanted onto the seabed.
“I am glad that I am part of this programme because learning about coral planting, their importance to marine biodiversity and why it is vital for local communities to be part of their protection, is an eye-opener for me,” said villager Siti Masnah, 45.
She added that while her village had long depended on the sea for food and livelihood, she had never considered the need for proper ecosystem management.
Communities were also encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly, rather than using the sea as a dumping ground.
Sabah Parks hopes the programme will prepare Selakan Island residents to play a more active role in the sustainable and systematic protection of the marine environment for the long term.
The programme was completed with support from the Semporna Islands Project, the Selakan Marine Conservation Group and other partners.
