Sabah Pledges Stronger Action to Protect Wetlands as Engines of Sustainable Growth

24 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will intensify efforts to conserve its wetlands, recognising them not only as vital ecosystems but also as drivers of sustainable development.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor stressed that the State Government would not compromise on wetland protection, viewing them as “living treasures” that must be managed responsibly to benefit both people and nature.

Speaking at the 5th International Symposium on Conservation and Management of Wetlands 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Hajiji said wetlands play a crucial role in supporting eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, carbon trading and community-led enterprises that create economic opportunities while preserving biodiversity for future generations.

He noted that Sabah has taken proactive steps, including the gazettement of protected areas, the designation of the Kota Kinabalu Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, and the restoration of mangrove forests, peatlands and coastal ecosystems across the state.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, delivered Hajiji’s speech, highlighting that the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap places environmental sustainability at the core of inclusive development. “Our approach is not just about protecting nature for its own sake, but ensuring conservation and development can go hand in hand,” he said.

The State Government, in collaboration with local communities, NGOs such as the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), research institutions and international partners, has restored thousands of hectares of mangroves and introduced community-based eco-tourism projects. These initiatives have empowered local residents, expanded environmental education and supported research to guide evidence-based policy.

Acknowledging challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanisation and unsustainable practices, Hajiji stressed that Sabah is adopting nature-based solutions, climate adaptation strategies and international collaborations to strengthen its conservation framework. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding wetland protection, building research capacity and developing sustainable financing mechanisms, including carbon trading and biodiversity offsets.

The Chief Minister also commended SWCS for spearheading efforts to nominate the Klias Peninsula Wetland and Lahad Datu Wetland as additional Ramsar Sites of international importance. “These efforts will further elevate Sabah’s global standing in wetland conservation. Our vision is to be a model of responsible resource management — where conservation supports growth, and people thrive in harmony with nature,” he said.

The symposium featured sessions on Marine Resources and the Blue Economy, Wetland Fire-Regime and Urban Interface, and Wetland Rehabilitation and Stewardship. Hajiji urged participants to forge lasting partnerships and share innovations. “Together, we can ensure wetlands remain a source of life and prosperity for generations to come,” he said.