Kota Kinabalu: The Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA) must continue to be strengthened as an integrated conservation and research landscape combining science, community involvement, and sustainable development, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking at the SCCA Scientific Review Seminar and Research Direction Workshop 2027–2036 on Tuesday, he said findings from the 2025 Scientific Expedition must be translated into effective conservation action and guide the upcoming SCCA Strategic Management Plan.
Joniston noted that SCCA has expanded from its initial voluntary management at Tumunong Hallo in 2003 into an interconnected landscape covering terrestrial forests, mangroves, islands, and marine ecosystems along Darvel Bay.
He stressed that local communities must be treated as active conservation partners rather than mere stakeholders, as their traditional knowledge and support remain vital to safeguarding the area.
He added that Yayasan Sabah Group intends to explore a co-management approach with Sabah Parks and maintain close cooperation with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to ensure all research and ecotourism activities are conducted safely.
