Students posing for a group photo with officials from Hibiscus Petroleum, the Papar District Council and the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.
KOTA KINABALU: Varsity students and lecturers on Wednesday (Dec 17) took part in the final leg of a three-part mangrove conservation initiative organised by oil and gas company Hibiscus Petroleum.
The Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2025 in Papar marked the culmination of a statewide environmental education and conservation programme aimed at empowering young Malaysians to become future custodians of Sabah’s mangrove ecosystems.
Held in collaboration with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), the campaign was launched at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site on July 3, followed by a second event in Tuaran on Sept 30.
The initiative sought to raise awareness of the ecological importance of mangrove forests, strengthen youth engagement in environmental stewardship, and support long-term coastal resilience in Sabah.
Across all three districts, the campaign reached 142 students from 14 secondary schools and three universities, meeting its objective of nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious youth.
The final programme in Papar brought together more than 40 students and lecturers from (UMS), (UCSF) and members of the Kampung Biau community in Papar also took part, playing a key role by identifying the site for the mangrove sapling planting activity.
Students planting mangrove saplings at Pantai Manis, Papar.
The half-day event, themed “Shaping Tomorrow’s Mangrove Protectors Today”, began with an opening ceremony at the Kampung Biau community hall, followed by a talk by SWCS on the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
This was followed by a sharing session by Hibiscus’ Environment and Sustainable Development Manager (Health, Safety and Environment) Rasima Abdul Rasid@Awang on the environmental responsibilities of oil and gas companies.
The highlight of the programme was the planting of mangrove saplings by participants at Pantai Manis.
Hibiscus Head of Operated Asset Sabah Ahmad Fazmee Baharuden expressed pride in the campaign’s impact and the commitment shown by participants throughout the year.
He said mangroves are nature’s silent guardians, protecting coastlines, supporting rich biodiversity and helping to mitigate climate change.
“Through this campaign, every student who planted a sapling contributed to a living legacy that will benefit future generations,” he said.
“It is crucial that young people understand the value of mangroves and take part in their preservation. Their participation today strengthens the foundation for long-term conservation efforts,” he added.
Fazmee said the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2025 underscores Hibiscus’ ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, community engagement and sustainable development in its areas of operation.
