Abidin (fifth right) representing the Chief Minister in performing the gimmick launch of the 5th International Symposium on Conservation and Management of Wetlands 2025.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will not compromise in its efforts to conserve Sabah’s wetlands, which are living treasures that must be managed wisely not only for preservation but also as engines of sustainable development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said that through ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, carbon trading and community-led enterprises, wetlands can generate economic opportunities while safeguarding nature for future generations.
Speaking at the 5th International Symposium on Conservation and Management of Wetlands 2025 at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today, Hajiji emphasised that the State Government has always placed strong importance on environmental sustainability, recognising that the state’s natural resources are the foundation of its economy, culture and community well-being.
“Over the years, we have taken proactive measures to protect our wetlands and related ecosystems. These include gazetting protected areas, designating wetlands such as the Kota Kinabalu Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, and providing continuous support for the conservation of mangrove forests, peatlands, and coastal ecosystems across the state,” he said.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Hajiji said the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya plan underscores sustainable and inclusive growth, with environmental protection as one of its guiding principles.
“Our approach is not just about protecting nature for its own sake, but also about ensuring that conservation and development go hand in hand,” he said.
He added that in collaboration with local communities, NGOs such as the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), research institutions and international partners, the State Government has successfully restored thousands of hectares of mangrove forests and introduced community-based ecotourism projects.
“These projects not only empower local people to benefit directly from conservation, but also strengthen environmental education, support scientific research and provide monitoring that informs evidence-based policies and decision-making for wetlands management,” he said.
At the same time, he acknowledged that challenges persist, with climate change, urbanisation and unsustainable practices continuing to put pressure on wetlands.
“This is why Sabah is actively pursuing nature-based solutions, climate adaptation strategies and international collaborations to ensure our conservation efforts remain relevant and effective,” he said.
The Chief Minister affirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding wetland conservation areas, strengthening research and monitoring capacity and investing in sustainable financing mechanisms such as carbon trading and biodiversity offsets.
“We will also continue to enhance partnerships at the regional and international levels, because the protection of wetlands is not the responsibility of any single government or organisation, but a shared global duty,” he said.
He further recognised the efforts of SWCS in working towards the nomination of two additional Ramsar Sites of international importance – the Klias Peninsula Wetland and the Lahad Datu Wetland.
“These efforts, once realised, will further elevate Sabah’s position on the world map of wetland conservation. Sabah’s vision is clear: to be a model of responsible natural resource management, where conservation supports economic growth and our people can live in harmony with nature,” he said.
He also expressed satisfaction with the symposium’s three key sessions: Marine Resources (Blue Economy), Wetland Fire Regimes/Wetland-Urban Interface and Wetland Rehabilitation and Stewardship, describing them as both timely and critical.
“I urge all participants to share your ideas, experiences, and innovations. Learn from one another, and let us build partnerships that will endure long after this symposium concludes.
“Together, we can discover new and sustainable ways to conserve wetlands, while ensuring they remain a source of life and prosperity for generations to come,” he said.
