KOTA KINABALU : – The Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER) has extended its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) for another five years to continue sea turtle conservation and protection programs on Libaran Island.
The MoU signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, at the Sabah Wildlife Department office, Wisma Muis, Kota Kinabalu.
The agreement was signed by FOSTER President Alexander Yee and SWD Director Roland Oliver Niun, witnessed by Deputy Director 1 of SWD, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar and members of FOSTER’s committee.
This marks the third MoU signed between the two parties, following the second agreement in August 2018, which was witnessed by the then Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew.
FOSTER President Alexander Yee stated that the extension of this partnership will remain in effect until December 2029.
“On behalf of FOSTER, I am delighted to extend this collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department. It demonstrates the continued commitment of both parties in protecting sea turtles on Libaran Island,” he said.
He added that the partnership, which began in July 2013, represents an extraordinary achievement, even though it seemed impossible to achieve at the outset.
“Over the past 12 years, this conservation effort has been full of challenges. However, with the support of all parties, we have ensured that these efforts continue to bear fruit to this day,” he added.
Alexander further shared that the MoU signing holds special meaning for him as it comes full circle, it was Roland who introduced him to Libaran Island back in 2013.
“Life has come full circle. Roland, who is signing this MoU today, is the same person who introduced me to Libaran all those years ago,” he said.
With this extended collaboration, the sea turtle conservation program will continue to include:
1. Raising awareness among local residents and visitors about the importance of sea turtle conservation
2. Conducting research to gain a deeper understanding of the sea turtles’ life cycle around Libaran Island.
3. Providing research opportunities for both local and international students.SWD will continue to offer expertise, advice, training, and monitoring assistance in conservation operations, including the sea turtle hatchery process on Libaran Island, carried out by FOSTER through the Walai Penyu Conservation Park.
Additionally, SWD will provide training to staff involved in turtle conservation to qualify them as Honorary Wildlife Wardens, enabling them to enforce protective measures for the species.
The training will be funded by FOSTER.
From 1 January 2013 to July 2024, the Sea Turtle Hatchery Center on Libaran Island has collected:
• 35,444 Green Turtle eggs
• 13,420 Hawksbill Turtle eggs
Bringing the total to 48,864 eggs collected.
Out of this total, 43,826 hatchlings have successfully been released into the sea from Libaran Island’s shores, a significant achievement in conservation efforts.
During the ceremony, Alexander presented Roland with a commemorative gift – a painting by Wong Yee Ting, a local artist actively supporting environmental conservation efforts.
