TONGOD: Twelve women from various organisations participated in a two-week resource and wildlife survey at Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), fostering a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and highlighting the importance of preserving Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Despite the challenges, women from various government agencies, private organisations, and higher education institutions found it not only rewarding but also necessary to take an active role in conservation efforts.
The Yayasan Sabah’s resource and wildlife surveys and scientific expeditions in which they participated concluded on Sept 14.
Nur Shakirah Jasili described the experience as transformative, instilling a deep passion for conservation and nearly bringing her to tears as she witnessed nature’s awe-inspiring beauty in its purest form.
“I can’t put my feelings into words. Observing nature in its most pristine state instilled in me a profound sense of pride, and I found myself on the brink of tears. The effect it had on me is difficult to describe,” she told Bernama.
The ICCA in Tongod is a 30,000ha forest reserve located in the heart of Borneo, about 300km from Kota Kinabalu.
Rich in biodiversity, the area has become a hub for researchers.
With its vast expanse and a forest that is over 100 million years old, the potential for discoveries is endless.
Nur Shakirah said that the rich biodiversity in Imbak Canyon has sparked her desire to learn more about the natural world, particularly our natural heritage.
She said it was fulfilling to understand the habits of wildlife species and gain deeper insights into biodiversity.
“It is crucial to protect the beauty of nature, especially our pristine tropical rainforests, because they are a gift from God that must be preserved in the best way possible,” she said.
Nur Shakirah, an employee of the Yayasan Sabah Group in the Conservation, Environmental, and Management Division, noted that numerous women are eager to gain knowledge about the diverse conservation activities within the programme, even in the absence of specialised expertise.
“Take me, for example. I don’t have a background in science or research, but I’m deeply interested in learning about different types of flora and fauna, bird species, and more,” she said.
To date, she has taken part in three resource and wildlife surveys – at Maliau Basin, Imbak Canyon, and INIKEA – as well as the Taliwas River Scientific Expedition.
Nur Shakirah’s colleague, Dana Merlize Gintik, who also took part in the recent ICCA wildlife survey, agreed that women should play a key role in conservation efforts.
“Environmental and biodiversity conservation is a shared responsibility. Women bring unique experiences and skills that can significantly contribute to the success of these efforts,” she said.
Dana acknowledged the physical and mental challenges of such programmes but believes that female participants, like their male counterparts, are fully capable of overcoming them.
“Challenges in the field, such as navigating steep trails, coping with unpredictable weather, and working in a demanding forest environment, do require strong physical endurance,” she said.
“However, mental resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude are equally important. These are qualities that anyone can possess, regardless of gender,” she said.
Dana shared that after participating in several surveys, she discovered that each conservation and rehabilitation area managed by Yayasan Sabah has its own distinct characteristics.
“In Imbak Canyon, I gained a deeper understanding of the richness of its flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The survey helped me appreciate the unique ecosystem there and its vital role in conserving Sabah’s biodiversity,” she said.
She portrayed the experience as captivating, with the melodies of birds and the croaks of frogs resonating in the atmosphere, as their campsite was situated merely 10-20ms from the river.
“One of the activities I participated in was setting up mist nets to identify bird species in the area,” said Dana, who has participated in three Yayasan Sabah resource and wildlife surveys, including a scientific expedition.
