KUDAT: A decade after its gazettement on May 19, 2016, Tun Mustapha Marine Park (TMP) has recorded significant conservation achievements while contributing to the economic development of surrounding communities.
Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman Datuk Peter Lintar said one of the park’s key milestones was the implementation of large-scale coral restoration using the MARRS method in 2025, which earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest coral fragment planting programme.
“The conservation efforts have also strengthened community participation through the Community Use Zone (CUZ), supported by capacity-building programmes, marine monitoring, coral restoration and community-based tourism initiatives,” he said at the park’s Decade of Conservation celebration on Thursday.
He cited Kampung Tajau Laut as a model for marine conservation and community-based tourism, driven by active local involvement in restoration and training programmes.
On international recognition, Peter said the park had entered the assessment phase for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List after submitting the required documentation through the COMPASS system.
“This is a meaningful achievement as the IUCN Green List is among the highest global recognitions for effective management of protected areas,” he said.
He added that the park had also been registered under the Coral Triangle Marine Protected Area System (CTMPAS) Category 3 as a Priority Development Site under the Coral Triangle Initiative, reinforcing Sabah’s position as a key marine conservation area in the region.
“Efforts are ongoing to qualify for the higher CTMPAS Category 4 “Regional Flagship Site” status.
In terms of enforcement, Peter said integrated operations with agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fisheries Department and Wildlife Department had been intensified to curb illegal activities such as fish bombing.
He noted that the use of technologies such as ArcGIS and the SMART application, along with strengthened scientific data and marine monitoring, reflects a shift towards modern, science-based park management.
Various programmes were also held in conjunction with the anniversary, including environmental education initiatives, conservation exhibitions, photography competitions, coral restoration site visits and a Photocamp programme to raise public awareness.
Peter said the achievements were the result of strong collaboration between government agencies, local communities, NGOs, academic institutions and enforcement bodies.
However, he cautioned that challenges such as climate change, coral bleaching and marine pollution remain, stressing the need for continued cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability.
“I am confident that with continued commitment and support, Tun Mustapha Marine Park will remain a source of pride for Sabah and a respected model for marine protected area management internationally,” he said.
