TONGOD: Human–elephant coexistence took centre stage as Tongod District hosted this year’s World Elephant Day, drawing more than 500 participants from local communities, students, government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The celebration, held on Sept 18 underscored the growing urgency of balancing community well-being with the protection of Bornean elephants, a species increasingly at risk from habitat loss and human conflict.
Organised by the Tongod District Office, Sabah Wildlife Department, Earthworm Foundation, and partner agencies, the event marked a natural progression from past celebrations in Beluran District.
By expanding into Tongod, organisers aimed to engage more communities in safeguarding both livelihoods and wildlife in areas where people and elephants share the same landscapes.
The day featured a wide range of activities designed to strengthen community participation.
From cultural performances and awareness sessions led by Wildlife Junior Rangers, to a forum on “Elephants and Community: The Role of Community Patrol Groups in Elephant Coexistence,” the programme highlighted practical approaches to reducing conflicts.
The forum, moderated by Earthworm Foundation, brought together the Community Elephant Ranger Team (CERT), Aki Keramuak Ranger Team, and 7Team, showcasing on-the-ground experience in mitigating risks.
Local rangers were also recognised for adopting the 3P Standard Operating Procedure which are Pemantauan, Pengawalan dan Pengiringan (Monitoring, Management and Escort); a community-driven guideline developed by Earthworm Foundation, Seratu Aatai and Sabah Wildlife Department.
This system provides practical steps to manage elephant encounters safely.
Students participated in poster and colouring contests, reinforcing conservation awareness from a young age.
Tongod District Officer, Yuesri Ismail Yusof, reminded participants of the lessons of history.
“The Bornean elephant is an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. We must not allow it to follow the fate of the Sumatran rhinoceros, which has recently gone extinct in Sabah. Protecting elephants today means safeguarding our biodiversity, culture, and the well-being of future generations,” he said.
Kuamut Assemblyman and Chairman of the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board, Datuk Masiung Banah, echoed the call for shared responsibility.
He noted that smallholders, particularly palm farmers, benefited from community patrol efforts that safeguard farms from elephant damage.
“Protecting elephants while safeguarding our communities is a challenge we must face together. Initiatives like today’s celebration show that when government, NGOs, and communities unite, we can find solutions that benefit both people and wildlife,” he said.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director, Mohd Soffian Bin Abu Bakar, reinforced that coexistence hinges on strong partnerships with local people.
“The key to addressing human–elephant interactions lies in community involvement. By providing training, recognition, and platforms such as this commemoration, we empower local people to take active roles in conservation,” he said.
For Earthworm Foundation, the initiative represents more than just annual awareness. It is part of a long-term vision to strengthen Sabah’s landscape through community-led conservation.
“Community patrollers are effective as first responders in reducing risks for both people and elephants.
“With support from government agencies, local leaders, and civil society, we hope to replicate this approach across Sabah. Empowering communities is key to ensuring long-term coexistence,” said Country Representative of Earthworm Foundation Malaysia, Kiah Hui Ooi.
As the event concluded, one message was clear; the future of the Bornean elephant depends on collective stewardship.
By building trust and strengthening collaboration across communities, non-governmental organisations and government, Tongod’s World Elephant Day celebration has become a milestone in the journey toward a sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.
