EERace 29: Environmental Education Course for Youths

12 July 2025

SANDAKAN : The Sabah Forestry Department once again united passionate changemakers for EERace 29: Youth Edition 3, an action-packed environmental education course held from 7 to 12 July 2025 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok.

Originally launched in 2005 for educators, the Environmental Education Race (EERace) has since evolved to engage a wider range of participants. This year’s edition was specifically tailored for youth aged 21 to 40, underscoring their vital role in shaping the future of conservation.

A total of 42 participants from diverse backgrounds, including schoolteachers, education officers, and environmental practitioners, took part in the programme.

EERace 29 was designed as a competitive race featuring real-world environmental challenges. Participants were divided into six teams and undertook three field assignments each. These assignments were aligned with the key priorities outlined in the Sabah Heart of Borneo (HoB) Strategic Plan 2021–2030, namely Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation, Ecotourism Development, and Capacity Building.

The assignments addressed a variety of environmental topics, including orangutan rehabilitation, coral reef and mangrove restoration, and community-led conservation initiatives. The programme culminated in a series of engaging team presentations, assessed by a panel of judges to determine the overall Champion.

EERace continues to play a vital role in supporting the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative, a trilateral conservation effort involving Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Sabah Forestry Department remains a key force behind this mission, using education as a transformative tool to foster environmental stewardship across local communities.

The success of EERace 29 was made possible by the steadfast support of the Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN) and its members, including the Sabah State Education Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Seratu Aatai, and OrangJUGA.

The programme also benefitted from the generous contributions of numerous conservation partners, such as Sabah Parks, Sandakan Municipal Council, HUTAN–KOCP, IOI Plantation Services, Sawit Kinabalu, Wild Asia, the Kg. Bestaria Telupid community (KOMURA), Cahaya Society, HRD Corp, and SJK(C) Tai Tong. Their support—ranging from meals and transport to facilitation and venue provision, helped deliver a rich and impactful experience for all involved.

In his closing remarks, Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, encouraged participants to carry the torch forward:

“It is now your turn to share what you have learned from EERace 29 with your communities,” he said, reinforcing the programme’s core mission.

His speech was delivered on his behalf by Dr Arthur Chung, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (R&D).