World Elephant Day promotes awareness on the importance of its conservation

12 August 2024

By AVV

SANDAKAN: Responsible Elephant Conservation Trust (Respect) successfully organized the 2024 World Elephant Day programme in Bilit, Kinabatangan.

Themed "Cherishing Giants: Celebrating the Majesty of Elephants," the event was inaugurated by Respect Chairman, Alexander Yee.

The event garnered an enthusiastic response, with over 40 students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bilit participating alongside their teachers.

The programme offered students valuable exposure and insights into the significance of elephant conservation and the challenges confronting this majestic species.

Throughout the event, students took part in a range of engaging activities, including an educational session on elephants, a Napier grass planting initiative, and interactive activities like an elephant trivia quiz and craft sessions.

According to Yee, as part of the grass planting programme, they planted over 1,600 kg of Napier grass stems on half an acre of land, with participation from students, teachers, the Respect team, and their partners from Nature Lodge Kinabatangan.

Students who took part in the program were presented with certificates of appreciation to acknowledge their dedication to environmental conservation.

Respect's mission is to advocate for and implement effective elephant conservation strategies, ensuring the safeguarding and survival of elephants through education, community engagement, and sustainable practices, Yee said.

"We strive to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants by cultivating a deeper understanding and reverence for these magnificent creatures," he said.

In line with Respect's continuous conservation endeavours, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment (KePKAS), led by Datuk Christina Liew, is spearheading a groundbreaking project to establish a food corridor for Borneo's pygmy elephants.

"This ambitious initiative aims to create a sustainable habitat, guaranteeing a reliable food supply for these endangered giants while reducing human-elephant conflicts," Yee explained.

At present, the Ministry is finalising the strategic aspects with the support of a generous Japanese donor, with the goal of introducing an innovative conservation model that will significantly enhance the long-term survival of these majestic animals.

Respect also extended its appreciation to all parties involved in the success of this program and looks forward to the continuation of conservation efforts in the future.

Among those in attendance were SK Bilit Headmaster M. Sarip Hakim and representatives from the Sabah Wildlife Department.

World Elephant Day is commemorated annually on August 12.