Kota Kinabalu: Sustainable financing is critical for the future of conservation in Sabah, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said it is no longer sufficient to rely on conventional funding sources alone.
“We must continue to explore innovative mechanisms – from tourism tax allocations, to ecosystem services payments, to public-private partnerships that support both the Sabah Wildlife Department’s work and community-based initiatives,” she said.
Liew’s speech was delivered by its Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai during the World Wildlife Day 2025 celebration themed “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet” at a hotel here. The Ministry is committed to exploring these opportunities further, alongside the conservation partners, to ensure that the action plans are not just aspirational – but actionable, impactful, and sustainable, she said.
“Wildlife conservation is not a siloed effort. It is something we must approach together, in unity and with a shared purpose,” she added.
She said preserving wildlife is also about supporting tourism, which is one of the key pillars of Sabah’s economy.
“Our iconic species – the orangutan, the Bornean elephant, the proboscis monkey, the slipper orchids – are not only symbols of Sabah’s natural wealth, but also part of what makes Sabah an international destination,” said Liew.
She said Sabah also has in place important species-specific action plans, including those for the Bornean elephant, banteng, proboscis monkey, orangutan, clouded leopard, and the recently launched Bornean sun bear action plan, along with the comprehensive Action Plan for Combating Wildlife Crime in Sabah.
“These documents are not merely plans on paper – they are blueprints for coordinated action, outlining not only what needs to be done, but also the resources required, the partnerships needed, the knowledge gaps to be filled, and the capacity building efforts to be strengthened,” she said.
For instance, she said the recent review of the Bornean Elephant Action Plan, after five years of implementation has achieved many successes and outputs and we must acknowledge the work that remains.
Human-elephant conflict continues to challenge us, particularly in and around protected areas.
“Addressing this will require stronger habitat management, effective land use planning, and close collaboration with local communities and plantation stakeholders,” she said.
Wildlife conservation is not a static field as threats continue to evolve, so as the authorities responses, she said.
“That means adopting new technologies, updating our methods, and staying ahead of illegal activities that threaten our biodiversity,” she added.
During the event, Lai also launched of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on Elephant Monitoring, Control, and Escort Activities by the Honorary Wildlife Warden, co-designed by the Sabah Wildlife Department, Earthworm Foundation, Seratu Ataai, and various community-based organisations.
Also present was Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar.
