SANDAKAN: A group of ten students and two teachers from Tokyo Metropolitan Kunitachi Senior High School in Japan completed a five-day study tour and planting programme in Sabah. The event was coordinated by Dr. Joseph Tangah, Marrynah Matami, and the mangrove team of the Forest Research Centre, Sabah Forestry Department (SFD).
According to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Zulkifli Suara, the study tour was organised by the school in collaboration with the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) and SFD. The programme combined field-based learning with hands-on conservation activities. He added that such field events should be encouraged as they promote environmental awareness and conservation.
The study tour began at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, an urban mangrove forest located near Kota Kinabalu City. Interpretative walks were led by ISME with support from SFD. In the afternoon, the group toured Pulau ISME (Weston Forest Reserve) in Beaufort for mangrove and wildlife sightseeing, followed by a firefly-watching session.
On the second day, the programme continued with a mangrove planting activity. The enthusiastic group of students planted a total of 150 Kandelia candel (Linggayong) seedlings. This was followed by a guided walk at the Klias Peat Swamp Field Centre. The session also introduced students to oil palm as one of Sabah’s key agricultural industries. They learned about the growth cycle of oil palm—from seedlings to mature trees—as well as fruit bunch development and the various end products derived from it.
The following day’s activities took place at the Kelawat Forest Reserve in Kota Belud, where a Community Forestry Project is being implemented. These activities were coordinated by the Kota Belud District Forestry Office under District Forestry Officer Unos Ampang. In the afternoon, the visit continued to the Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve, where Professor S. Baba guided the group through the area, highlighting the rich diversity of mangrove species surrounding the centre.
On the final day, the group visited Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. Overall, the study tour proved to be a valuable educational experience for the students. – James Leong
The students and teachers from Tokyo Metropolitan Kunitachi Senior High School.
