Sabah, situated in the Northern part of the biodiversity-rich island of Borneo, is home to a wide range of endemic species and pristine forests. Unfortunately, with the uncontrolled rise of large-scale commercial clearance of forests for unsustainable logging and palm oil plantations, many rich forest landscapes have been transformed into degraded plots of fragmented land. As these habitats are critical for the survival of endemic species such as the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys and Bornean Orangutans, the clearance of these habitats has displaced and threatened many of these populations.
This summer, along with Dr. Gretchen Coffman and other students, we had the opportunity to embark on a field trip to Sabah to learn about ecosystem restoration. This summer trip has transformed our understanding of sustainability, conservation, and ecotourism. Over 12 intensive days, our experiences were not only enriching but also enlightening. Here are some of our key experiences and takeaways:
1. Restoration Sites and Tree Nursery Management
Tree Planting
One of the most memorable activities in Sabah was learning about the process of forest restoration. One of the stops on our itinerary was at a local social enterprise APE Malaysia, where we got the opportunity to collect data, such as soil moisture and texture which greatly affects the amount of water and nutrients the soil can retain for the trees to absorb. Another hands-on learning experience was along the Kinabatangan River, where the experienced KOPEL (a community-based co-operative) guides exposed us to tree germination and tree planting processes. We got our hands dirty by planting trees using the proper techniques. We got the opportunity to head down to their community nursery, where the guides explained the step-by-step procedures involved in seed germination and growth before the seeds could be planted at the restoration sites. The entire experience of planting trees, from collecting small seeds and nurturing delicate seedlings to planting them in the ground, underscored the complexity and meticulousness required in restoration efforts. Each step of the process demands careful execution to maximize their survival.
Intentional Management Practice and Wildlife
Notably, the difference in operation styles along the Kinabatangan River has immense impacts on nature, wildlife, and locals. This section of the river by KOPEL was more pristine than other tourist-populated accommodations near Sukau where we also stayed and worked with the local APE Malaysian team on restoration. We saw rarer animals such as a Slivered Langur swimming across the river freely. By intentionally keeping its area exclusive to KOPEL and its visitors, human traffic was significantly minimized, reducing disruption to wildlife and allowing the forest to thrive. The result is a healthier, more stable ecosystem where animals can flourish in less stressful conditions, reproduce successfully, and sustain the natural cycle of life.
Silvered Langur swimming across the Kinabatangan River (Ting Wai Kit)
This experience has underscored the importance of intentionally maintaining sustainable ecotourism practices to protect our unique ecosystems. Ecotourism, when managed correctly, can provide economic benefits to local communities while preserving natural habitats. KOPEL’s model demonstrates that community involvement and sustainable practices can coexist, offering a viable solution for conservation, and local development through ecotourism. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, KOPEL ensures the long-term health of the ecosystem, which is essential for both conservation and the community's well-being.
2. Conservation, Rehabilitation Centre, and Sanctuary
Visiting the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary was another eye-opening experience as it highlights the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, such as researchers, the government, and public educators. In Singapore, most of our exposure to such sanctuaries was through screens. Witnessing firsthand the dedication and various strategies employed to protect these animals was incredibly inspiring. We learned about the Sun Bear Conservation Action Plan from Dr. Wong Siew Te, the founder of Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, for instance. This plan not only focuses on protecting the species but also emphasizes public education, better law enforcement against illegal exploitation, habitat protection and restoration, and promoting research to monitor the population. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of collaboration between government and other stakeholders to ensure effective and comprehensive conservation efforts to address wildlife threats, such as habitat loss and poaching to create a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem. Furthermore, integrating educational initiatives ensures the public understands the importance of conservation, leading to more sustainable behaviors. Hence, law enforcement and habitat restoration contribute directly to biodiversity preservation, a cornerstone of sustainability.
Borneo sun bear and Proboscis monkey in their habitat (Ting Wai Kit)
3. Palm Oil and Sustainability
Another memorable activity was the visit to Sawit Kinabalu Sdn. Bhd. (SKSB), a state-owned corporation, whose main business operations include growing, processing, and trading of oil palm products. Given their focus on sustainability and achieving the 3 domains of People, Planet, and Profit, SKSB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) in 2017, thus establishing the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) under the EU-REDD+ project. Through the visit, we realized that for effective management of SPnCA to happen, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge and expertise are crucial in ensuring success. Some efforts include protecting SPnCA from encroachment, poaching, and forest fires, monitoring and restoring forest ecosystems, and actively engaging the local community to support and involve them. By fundamentally maintaining the fragile ecosystem services in the area, the locals can equitably and positively benefit both now and in the future.
Harvested fresh fruit bunches from the palm trees (Ting Wai Kit)
Reflections
The trip evoked a sense of sadness within our group as we realized how we have taken our natural resources for granted. We have exploited the abundance we once had, and now, we regret the damage we have inflicted on our environment. However, we are also heartened and inspired to see passionate individuals and organizations collaborating to advance conservation and multidisciplinary sustainable practices. This field course highlighted that true conservation cannot exist without sustainability. It underscores the essential connection between conservation efforts and sustainable practices. Effective ecotourism management is imperative to ensure wildlife and habitat conservation.
As future changemakers in sustainability, we must understand and appreciate the sensitivities and challenges on the ground to effectively protect the environment we heavily depend on. There remains hope to bring back our forests and wildlife if we shoulder the responsibility of restoring and engaging in sustainable practices. Instead of subjecting temporal discounts where we commit to sacrificing a bigger future reward for a smaller immediate reward - we must start making meaningful impacts, no matter how small they seem. After all, the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, Sun bears, Rhinoceros hornbills, Estuarine crocodiles, and many more species in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, all deserve a chance to live and thrive in their natural habitat, just like us.
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