Participants of the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2026 posing for a photo after the planting activity.
KOTA KINABALU: Hibiscus Petroleum has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement with the launch of the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign 2026 at Darau Wetland Eco Tourism in Menggatal near here.
Held on Aug 20 under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s Mangrove Protectors Today”, the half-day environmental education and conservation programme brought together approximately 150 participants, comprising university students, lecturers, members of the local community and Hibiscus Petroleum employees.
The campaign is a collaboration between Hibiscus Petroleum and the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), aimed at raising awareness of the vital role mangrove ecosystems play in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
Speaking at the launch, Hibiscus Petroleum Head of Operated Asset Sabah Ahmad Fazmee Baharuden said the company remained committed to supporting sustainability initiatives that benefit local communities and future generations.
“Mangroves are among nature’s most valuable ecosystems.
“Through this campaign, we hope to nurture a deeper appreciation for these coastal forests and inspire young people to become advocates and custodians of the environment,” he said.
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society president Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said strong partnerships between communities, organisations and the private sector could contribute significantly to conservation efforts.
“We commend Hibiscus Petroleum for its continued support of environmental education and conservation initiatives, and we hope this campaign will inspire more people to play their part in safeguarding Sabah’s wetlands and mangrove habitats,” he said.
The campaign builds on the success of the inaugural Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign held last year, which engaged more than 160 secondary school and university students, teachers and lecturers across Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and Papar.
This year’s programme was held at Darau Wetland Eco Tourism in Kampung Darau, a community-based ecotourism destination renowned for its mangrove and riverine ecosystems.
Participants took part in educational sessions on wetland conservation, biodiversity and environmental protection, conducted by experts from the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society and the Sabah Environmental Protection Department.
Hibiscus Petroleum also conducted a sharing session on its commitment to environmental stewardship, particularly in relation to its day-to-day operations.
A key highlight of the programme was a mangrove tree-planting activity, which gave participants an opportunity to contribute directly to conservation efforts by planting mangrove saplings at selected restoration sites within the wetland area.
Ahmad Fazmee also expressed his appreciation to the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society and Darau Wetland Eco Tourism for their partnership and dedication in making the campaign a success.
Through initiatives such as the Mangrove Preservation Outreach Campaign, he said Hibiscus Petroleum hoped to cultivate a new generation of environmental ambassadors who were informed, empowered and committed to preserving Sabah’s unique mangrove ecosystems for years to come.
