KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must strengthen collaboration between government agencies and non-governmental organisations to sustain its biodiversity conservation efforts, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister said the state will continue to support ground-driven initiatives, particularly in reforestation and habitat restoration, as coordinated efforts help amplify conservation impact.
“We know the challenges. Habitat fragmentation and environmental pressures are real, but what is encouraging is that many organisations are not waiting for things to worsen.
“They are already taking action on the ground,” he said at the Reforestation Partners Appreciation Event organised by 1Stop Borneo Wildlife here on Thursday (April 16).
Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said the state’s globally recognised biodiversity comes with a responsibility to protect it, especially amid ongoing development and land-use changes.
He commended groups such as KOPEL, APE Malaysia and BORA for their consistent efforts in preserving Sabah’s natural ecosystems.
He also highlighted 1Stop Borneo Wildlife’s approach, noting that its initiatives go beyond tree planting by restoring ecological functions, including planting species that support wildlife and encourage their return.
Bangkuai said such efforts are further strengthened through collaboration with agencies like the Forestry Department and Sabah Parks, as well as private sector partners including Teck Guan Group.
“These partnerships are helping to establish wildlife corridors, which are critical in reconnecting fragmented habitats. This is exactly the kind of cooperation we want to see more of,” he said.
He added that similar collaboration is taking place in urban areas through joint efforts with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the police, where trees growing on buildings are carefully relocated and replanted instead of being removed.
“This reflects how ideas from practitioners on the ground can be turned into practical solutions with the support of the authorities,” he said, adding that early signs of progress are visible, including the gradual return of wildlife in some restored areas.
Bangkuai said the state government will continue to back such partnerships to ensure conservation efforts are coordinated and not carried out in isolation.
