KOTA KINABALU: More than 500 people in Sabah’s central Tongod district have rallied behind efforts to protect the endangered Bornean elephant and find safer ways for humans and wildlife to coexist.
Residents, conservation groups, government agencies and local leaders renewed that commitment during the Penangah World Elephant Day celebration, held at the Penangah Open Hall from last Friday (Sept 11) to Tuesday.
Earthworm Foundation project leader Juhana Johnny said bringing the different groups together was crucial as elephant conservation could not be tackled by conservationists alone.
She said the gathering provided a platform for communities and agencies to exchange knowledge, raise concerns and work on practical solutions to human-elephant conflict.
“It allows us to come together to brainstorm, share ideas, convey concerns and find solutions to human-animal conflicts, and find ways to better conserve and protect our endangered Bornean elephants,” she said.
Juhana said programmes involving local communities were particularly important in raising awareness and encouraging more people to take part in conservation efforts.
Protecting elephants, she said, required sustained cooperation and commitment from everyone involved.
Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah echoed the call, saying conservation efforts would be more effective with the involvement of politicians, community leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders.
He said protecting the species required not only knowledge and ideas, but also manpower, funding and long-term commitment.
“This togetherness is needed to build a better tomorrow for our protected species and to ensure that humans and elephants can eventually live together harmoniously and safely,” he said.
His speech was delivered by assistant district officer Ronley Saringan.
The celebration was organised by the Maman Elephant Escorts Group Penangah and Earthworm Foundation, with support from the Sabah Wildlife Department, Jetama, K2 Life, Datuk Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar, Masiung and other conservation partners.
Besides conservation exhibitions, the programme featured drawing and colouring contests, friendly football matches, sports and recreational activities aimed at drawing the wider community into the conservation message.
