Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (right) listening to Walai Penyu founder Alexander Yee about the involvement of Libaran islanders in conservation initiatives.
KOTA KINABALU: Walai Penyu Conservation Park in Sabah's east coast Libaran island is a way forward in conservation of turtles and empowering local communities, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister said the conservation efforts of sea turtles at the park had created a good impact with the participation of the local community.
Bangkuai said the local community participation had ensured their crucial role of protecting endangered turtle species that frequent Libaran shores and preserving such delicate ecosystems for future generations.
"There is immense potential of Libaran Island and its community as a distinctive tourism product," said Bangkuai during a recent visit to the conservation park.
“I am genuinely impressed by the community's raw craftsmanship in producing handicrafts using 'mengkuang' (screw pine leaves) and recycled materials, as well as boat making.
“The island community stands as educators, imparting the significance of turtle preservation and marine conservation due to their deep connection with the land and sea,” he added.
Bangkuai, who is Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said the visit was part of ongoing commitment to promoting and supporting activities that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Investing in community-driven conservation efforts, Sabah can set an inspiring example for responsible tourism and ecological preservation, said Bangkuai.
Also present was the park’s founder and managing director Alexander Yee.
Yee said that plans to further integrate the local community into the conservation landscape were ongoing.
He said that the intention was to gradually entrust the reins of the Walai Penyu Conservation programme to the community, empowering them to independently champion and sustain turtle conservation initiatives.
"We believe in empowering the community to become the stewards of their own environment. It is a step towards ensuring the long-term success of both marine turtle conservation and the well-being of the local people," he said.
Since its establishment in 2010, the Walai Penyu Conservation Park has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the nesting and hatching sites of endangered turtle species.
The unwavering commitment of the local community has fostered a cleaner island environment and instilled a sense of responsibility among the islanders, Yee said.
