Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) received well deserved praise from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment for their tireless efforts in lifting Kota Kinabalu Wetland to where it is now.Kota Kinabalu Wetland has transformed from its humble beginnings 20 years ago to what is now a hub for nature lovers.
Over the years, continuous massive rehabilitation efforts by the early staff members of the Sabah Wildlife Department, WWF-Malaysia, the Likas Wetlands Sanctuary Management Committee and later SWCS, together with volunteers from all ages were a success.
The swamp is now covered with various species of mangrove plants as evidence of the successful conservation efforts.
“SWCS deserves to be warmly felicitated for their admirable efforts at raising the awareness and appreciation of wetlands,” said its Minister Datuk Christina Liew, during the World Wetlands Day 2020 celebration, here, Saturday.
The event also coincides with Kota Kinabalu Wetland’s 20th Anniversary.
“As a Ministry that works closely with partners throughout Sabah to promote our beautiful natural resources, we are encouraged by the determination of SWCS in managing the Kota Kinabalu Wetland,” said Liew.
Her speech was delivered by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Jamili Nais.
She said Kota Kinabalu Wetland’s designation as a Ramsar Site further enhances the appeal of the site and brings value to managing biodiversity and eventually benefitting tourism, while ensuring the protection and preservation of the environment for the inheritance of present and future generations.
“I wish the SWCS every success in its efforts as they continue to work collaboratively to protect wetlands, forming a working network among wetland conservation agencies in Sabah and Malaysia as a whole, and pushing for another international recognition for Kota Kinabalu Wetland to secure its continued role as a model environmental educational site,” she said.
Meanwhile, SWCS President Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, said they recorded more than 190,000 visitors both local and international since opening its doors to the public on March 1, 2000.
He said the site provides the opportunity for the public to experience and learn first-hand about mangroves habitat and its conservation, without the burden of having to travel to a distant location.
The 24-hectares Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site not only strategically located in the heart of the city centre, but also acts as a window to other larger wetlands area in Sabah.
“Last year, we recorded a total of 10,800 visitors and conducted hundreds of environmental education programmes with various learning institutions in the State,” he said.
The main goal, he said, is to forward knowledge and to produce younger generation who are aware of the importance of protecting the environment.
In the programme, the mangrove forests acts as a platform and source in the teaching and learning process.
He noted that despite the challenges, especially in protecting wetland from the imminent threat of developments, which are cropping at the border, the persistent hard work and determination over the decades has multiple protections as the Bird Sanctuary, Cultural Heritage Site (Conservation) and now a Ramsar Site.
“Despite all the challenges, we are fortunate to have the strong support from our committee members, ex-officious, partners, supporters and especially the staff who continue to contribute in many important ways.
“It is through these efforts that we continue to strive to achieve our mission to ensure protection and wise use of all wetlands in Sabah, through education, research and advocacy,” he said.
The event also saw launching of their 150 pages coffee table book “Oasis in the City: Kota Kinabalu Wetlands”.
It is a pictorial coffee table book depicting the history, moments and list of fauna and flora found in Kota Kinabalu Wetland. The publication is to further promote Kota Kinabalu Wetland to the eye of the world in line with their international recognition as the first urban ramsar site mangrove type in the world.
Also featured was a mangrove night walk, dance performances by Synthesis of the Sould Dance Studio and short documentaries by Borne Eco Film Festival and Anbatar.
