Kota Kinabalu: The Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Simca) will now be known as an IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Green List site – the first of its kind in Malaysia.
Through the Green List, Simca is now recognised globally as a well-managed protected area, said a statement.
This historic recognition was announced at the 2nd Asia Parks Congress currently held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, here.
Simca is the first privately managed marine protected area in Malaysia.
Located within the Sulu Sea region, Simca encompasses 46,317 hectares and includes three islands – Lankayan, Billean and Tegaipil — and is home to at least 500 species of fish, 300 species of corals, two species of sea turtles, six species of giant clams and 26 species of seagrass and algae.
The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas is the first global standard of best practice for area-based conservation.
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