Kota Kinabalu: The launch of the “I Love Wetlands” project at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site on Friday marks a significant step in fostering early environmental awareness and conservation efforts among Sabah’s youngest learners.
Organised by Persatuan Tadika Sabah (PTS) with support from the Yell Seed Grant, the initiative combines storytelling, hands-on learning, and teacher training to introduce children on the importance of wetlands.
AdvertisementThe project revolves around a series of storybooks featuring Ardee, a charming purple heron who takes young readers on a journey through the vibrant ecosystems of Sabah’s wetlands.
Designed for children aged five to six, the books aim to inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for nature.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell Sabah Deepwater Production Manager Earns Unsung Hero Award Daily Express had the opportunity to interview Musti whose story reflects the power of determination and resilience. Read more To complement the books, PTS has developed a holistic learning programme that includes classroom kits, field trips, and resources for teachers.
The launching ceremony was graced by Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, and was attended by Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society Chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa as well as key representatives from the Kota Kinabalu District Education Department, environmental NGOs, and the State Library of Sabah, including kindergarten teachers and students.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Speaking at the event, Evelyn Wong, President of PTS, shared her enthusiasm for the project and its impact.
“These books are more than just stories. They are tools to help our students, teachers, parents and the community better understand the significance of the wetland in preserving diversity and combating climate change.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“As children learn about Ardee and the animals living in this wetland, they will gain a better appreciation of the world around them and the importance of preserving such space for future generations,” she said.
The pilot project has reached 46 teachers and 1,200 students across 26 kindergartens, including six government pre-schools.
With support from the Kota Kinabalu District Education Department, participating schools incorporated wetland conservation into their curricula and organised field trips to the KK Wetland.
The KK Wetland, a Ramsar Site recognised for its global importance, plays a crucial role in Sabah’s ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for diverse species, a carbon sink, and a natural flood barrier.
However, urbanisation has threatened such environments, underscoring the need for initiatives like “I Love Wetlands” to raise awareness and promote conservation.
During the event, Zainie highlighted the significance of the wetland, describing it as “not just a beautiful place” but a critical ecosystem that requires constant protection to maintain its Ramsar status.
“Wetlands act as a carbon sink, flood barrier and nursery for many species. Yet their value often goes unnoticed. These storybooks are an inspiring way to introduce young minds to the wonders of the wetland, fostering awareness and appreciation that extends to their families and communities,” he said.
Zainie is also positive that children’s involvement in wetland conservation programmes will result in a transformative mind for everyone in the society.
“Seeing the joy and curiosity of students as they explore the wetland has been incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms that conservation starts with education that inspires a love for nature, ensuring a key to protecting our planet’s future.
“This initiative highlights the power of partnership, when educators, conservationists, and creative minds unite, the results are truly transformative.
“Combinations of educators, conservationists, people like us, and creative minds like you all, particularly the organisers, the teachers, and all that, I really salute you all, and this combination of these will result in a transformative mind for everybody and for our society at large,” he said.
Field trips to the KK Wetland have proven transformative for both children and their families. Each visit allows children to explore the mangroves, observe wildlife, and document their discoveries in personalized scrapbooks. Parents and teachers have noted the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by these hands-on experiences.
Meanwhile, Yell Malaysia Coordinator Lim Su-Jin explained the initiative’s alignment with broader goals:
“Yell is a collaborative programme between UNDP, which is the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP Malaysia, and Unicef Malaysia, supported by partners such as Alam, the EU, and the OSK Foundation. Our main objective is to establish a platform to provide greater opportunities for youth to participate in environmental or climate change-related issues or activities.”
The initiative has garnered widespread support from educators, conservationists, and creative professionals.
Local illustrators and writers collaborated to bring Ardee’s adventures to life, while the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society provided expert insights to ensure the project’s scientific accuracy.
As the programme expands to more schools, it is expected to create a ripple effect, reaching more children and their families and fostering a culture of conservation in Sabah.
