Sabah Parks scientific Research Seminar 2025 launches new pathways for innovation and conservation education

4 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Parks Scientific Research Seminar 2025 officially commenced today, uniting researchers, educators, and conservation practitioners in a collaborative effort to share knowledge, drive innovation, and enhance management strategies dedicated to preserving Sabah’s abundant natural heritage.

In conjunction with the seminar, the event also celebrated the launch of the Sabah Parks Junior Ranger Education Module, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering conservation awareness among young learners.

The seminar was formally inaugurated by Datuk Peter Lintar, Chairman of the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, who emphasised the importance of collective effort and scientific advancement in securing Sabah’s ecological future.

Delivering the keynote speech, Peter emphasised the importance of creating new pathways in scientific discovery and empowering management to better protect biodiversity.

“Today, we are not just sharing knowledge; we are sowing seeds of innovation and forging new pathways for exploration,” he stated.

“We aim to establish Sabah Parks as centres of excellence in tropical ecosystem research and community conservation education. The Board takes great pride in the high level of commitment demonstrated by researchers and Parks management over the years.”

“I believe that with sustained effort, we can build a distinguished platform that not only produces high-quality research but also attracts leading scholars from around the world. Research conducted within Sabah Parks has the potential to significantly influence protected area management, not only locally but globally,” he said.

“Our achievement in gaining recognition through the UNESCO Triple Crown is proof that we are on the right track. I am confident we can also meet comparable standards across other parks under our stewardship.”

He also reminded everyone that every research effort must be guided by their Vision and Mission, in alignment with the Sabah Parks Strategic Plan.

“Our mandate, as outlined in the Strategic Plan, encompasses nine zones rich in biologically diverse ecosystems of global importance. We must ensure that our parks are managed diligently so that our heritage is preserved and benefits are enjoyed by the people of Sabah and all humankind,” he stressed.

He mentioned numerous environmental crises, such as global warming and the recent El Niño phenomenon last year that led to severe coral bleaching worldwide.

“Nevertheless, we are grateful that Sabah remains one of the regions still rich in biological treasures. According to the Green Gas Inventory presented recently to the State Legislative Assembly, Sabah is among the states that absorb more carbon than they release. Therefore, our task is not only to protect but also to understand, study, and pass on this heritage wisely.”

Peter said that in addition to presenting research among experts, examining data, and writing carefully crafted papers using precise language, communication with the public is the heartbeat of science.

“As researchers, we must translate complex phenomena into reports that are understandable to laypeople and park management alike. Scientific communication bridges the gap between discoveries and practical application; it ensures that knowledge from research is not confined to laboratories and academic journals but is used to benefit society and inform decision-makers,” he stressed.

“In this digital era, clear and effective communication has become easier. Our scientific findings can reach not only peers but also policymakers, stakeholders, and the public. However, this depends on how we communicate our discoveries. Therefore, I urge researchers to utilise this platform not only for academic development but also to enhance our communication skills more broadly.”