Kota Kinabalu: Dr Joanna W Doinsing, a lecturer at Sandakan Polytechnic, received the Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Award 2026 in the Best Local Researcher category during the State-level World Biodiversity Day celebration recently.
The award was presented by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam, who also presented awards to winners in several other categories.
The Sabah Best Biodiversity Research Award is an annual initiative by the State Government to encourage, recognise and promote high-impact scientific research that contributes to the conservation and preservation of Sabah’s rich biodiversity.
Organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC), the award honours outstanding scientific contributions towards the protection and sustainable management of Sabah’s ecosystems.
Dr Joanna received the award for her research project titled “Sustainability of Oysters (Magallana bilineata) Farming in Coastal Waters of Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia.”Her study identified key findings on the sustainability of the local oyster species and assessed the health of aquaculture activities in the coastal waters of Tuaran.
The findings are expected to serve as an important reference for future coastal management strategies and the formulation of sustainable marine biodiversity conservation policies in Sabah.
The achievement also highlights the capability of local researchers to produce high-quality scientific research that not only protects Sabah’s natural heritage but also supports the long-term socio-economic well-being of coastal communities.
