KOTA KINABALU: Conservationists carried out a series of outreach sessions to equip students with safety knowledge and promote coexistence with endangered crocodiles as part of efforts to mitigate human-animal conflict in Kinabatangan.
The educational sessions at five schools – SMK Bukit Garam 2 and SMK Paris, as well as primary pupils from SK Batu Puteh, SK Paris and SK Bukit Garam – were conducted by Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) with funding from Yayasan Hasanah.
The organisers said the initiative is part of a broader two-year pilot project aimed at mitigating human-crocodile conflict and enhancing community-based conservation of the reptiles.
The project adopts an evidence-based, community-centred approach to improve public safety, reduce conflict, and gather critical data for long-term crocodile conservation across Sabah.
After initial interactive talks and workshops, project facilitators made follow-up visits to evaluate knowledge retention among the students.
"At the primary school level, 30 pupils per school participated in team-based poster design competitions to show their understanding of crocodile safety and ecological importance through creative artwork," the organisers said in a statement Monday (Aug 24).
They also noted that the programme received strong backing from school administrators, who highlighted both the economic and ecological necessity of protecting native wildlife.
"Crocodiles are one of Borneo's iconic 'big five' species and a major draw for tourists visiting Kinabatangan, directly contributing to our local eco-tourism economy," SK Batu Puteh principal Ahmed Tawang said.
"Beyond their economic value, they play a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Communities simply need to find a sustainable middle ground to coexist safely with them," he added.
SK Bukit Garam principal Faridah Jamil said: "As a local ethnic Orang Sungai, I grew up swimming in the Kinabatangan River without fear.
"Over time, shrinking habitats have turned crocodiles into opportunistic predators.
"We appreciate agencies like Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) coming to teach our youth that coexisting with crocodiles is entirely possible, and that culling is not the only solution."
DGFC director Prof Benoit Goossens said coexistence begins with knowledge.
"When we teach our children to understand crocodiles rather than fear them, we are not only protecting people, we are protecting one of Borneo’s most important species.
"The future of the Kinabatangan depends on finding a balance where both communities and crocodiles can thrive," he said, adding that the conservation team will now focus on community awareness sessions across villages in the district.
