KOTA KINABALU: Secondary students from five schools in the State capital learned the ecological importance of mangrove forests during the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2025 here today
Held at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, the programme was organised by oil and gas company Hibiscus Petroleum in collaboration with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.
Altogether, 50 students from SM Tshung Tsin, SMK Likas, SM Lok Yuk, SMK Taman Tun Fuad and SM Kian Kok, along with their teachers, took part in the half-day programme, with the theme “Shaping
Tomorrow’s Mangrove Protectors Today”.
The day started with an opening ceremony before the students proceeded to plant mangrove saplings at designated locations at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site.
They later attentively listened to experts from the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society during a mangrove talk and guided tour of the mangrove forest inside the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar site.
Hibiscus Petroleum’s Head of Operated Asset, Sabah, Edmund Ang congratulated the students for involving themselves in something not only noble but vital for the environment in the state.
“From their critical role in protecting our coastlines and supporting rich biodiversity, to their contribution in mitigating climate change, mangroves are truly nature’s silent guardians,” he said, during his launching speech.
Through the tree planting activity, he said each of the students took part in something powerful.
“This is more than a symbolic act. It is a legacy you will leave behind. A living, breathing testament of your commitment to protecting our natural heritage,” he said.
Edmund said the event today will be the first of a three-series programme, with two other similar events to be held in districts outside Kota Kinabalu soon.
“Over the course of this campaign, we will be engaging with 15 selected schools, five from each district and welcoming a total of 150 bright, passionate students,” he said.
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society President Datuk Hj Zainie Abdul Aucasa, in his speech, welcomed the participants and also highlighted the urgency of protecting mangrove ecosystems.
“Mangroves are critical to our environmental resilience. They protect coastlines, support marine life and store large amounts of carbon. It’s vital that young people understand their value and take part in their preservation,” said Zainie.
Edmund said Hibiscus Petroleum is a company that places strong emphasis on social responsibility and supports communities and targeted groups in need through programmes aimed at improving
quality of life and the socioeconomic wellbeing of communities in its areas of operation.
“That is why, through this Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign, we are aiming to help create an informed awareness to care for these coastal forests for the future generation,” he said.
The event reflected the company’s broader efforts to support environmental conservation and engage youth through community-driven initiatives, he added.
