By WU VUIDE
LAHAD DATU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the Sabah Government is committed to the conservation and biodiversity research efforts in the state.
This was reflected in the opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, initiated by Yayasan Sabah, in collaboration with the State Forestry Department.
“I am hopeful that the Federal Government will consider channelling more support, through the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF) as well as in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said at the opening of the centre and research station.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The support will allow conservation areas like Danum Valley and DaMaI (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) rainforest landscape to remain as the world’s biodiversity treasure troves and the country leading research, education and conservation centre.
Hajiji said the setting up of the centre through the RM5.6 million fund from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability under the 12th Malaysia Plan aligns with the thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, in environment conservation and sustainable development.
“This initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to balance economic development with conservation of natural resources for the long-term prosperity of the people and future generations,” he said.
Hajiji commended Yayasan Sabah for its longstanding achievement in managing and preserving the Danum Valley Conservation Area and others.
“Yayasan Sabah Group (YSG) has played a crucial role in safeguarding the priceless forest reserves conservation areas and Totally Protected Areas (TPA).
“It also elevated Sabah’s name onto the international stage as a model of transparent, integrity driven, and visionary conservation area management,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability for its support, which led to the completion of the research station.
He said the research station, established within the Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve under the Management Committee of the Sabah Forestry Department that also involved Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is located in a strategic area between the Face the Future project site from the Netherlands (INFAPRO) and the Danum Valley Studies Centre.
“With the virgin Danum Valley forest just across the river, the area where we now stand is a buffer zone that has been restored through the INFAPRO project within the Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve.
“Many are unaware that the forest we passed through on our way here today is a restored forest, the result of years of dedicated effort.
“This is proof that forest restoration can be successful if we have vision and commitment, and Sabah has already accomplished this,” he said.
He said the centre is ideal for environmental education programmes for the younger generation such as those currently conducted by the Sabah Nature Club.
He welcomed the initiative by the club under the supervision of the YSG to adopt several schools in Lahad Datu to better understand and appreciate environmental conservation from an early age.
He assured that the government will continue to implement development programmes characterised by green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources and ensuring environmental protection, social wellbeing, and economic growth for future generations.
“As a state rich in natural resources, research on the management and conservation of these resources is significant.
“This includes research on how these resources can be used sustainably for the benefit of the people and the nation, as well as the impact on the environment,” he said.
