AdminReef Check Malaysia has been awarded the Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature Programme (OCEAN Grant Programme), supported by the UK Government, to strengthen marine conservation efforts on Larapan Island, Sabah. The initiative, which will run until 2027, aims to empower the island’s local communities to actively participate in sustainable marine resource management, preserving their environment while protecting their cultural heritage.
Acting British High Commissioner David Wallace highlighted the significance of the grant, stating, “Sabah is one of Malaysia’s many nature hotspots. The UK is committed to supporting work with local communities to protect its incredible marine biodiversity. Over the years, the UK has supported efforts to protect Sabah’s forests, improve energy access, and reduce poverty. I am delighted that this project with the Pulau Larapan community has been successful in securing funding from our OCEAN programme.”
Establishing a Marine-Based Community Protocol
The project, named Community-based Management of Marine Resources for Larapan Island, Sabah, will introduce a groundbreaking Community Protocol (CP) that empowers indigenous peoples and local communities to take charge of their marine resources. This protocol will be the first marine-based CP in Malaysia, offering the islanders a structured framework to manage their marine territories, protect traditional practices, and assert their customary rights.
Reef Check Malaysia will collaborate with Green Semporna, a local conservation group, to develop and implement the Community Protocol. Nurasikin Jajim from Green Semporna shared, “For years, we have worked alongside local communities to promote sustainable marine conservation in Semporna. This collaboration with Reef Check Malaysia is a significant step forward in ensuring that the people of Larapan Island have a strong voice in managing and protecting their marine resources.”
Community and Government Support
The official launch of the programme was marked by a meeting between Reef Check Malaysia’s CEO, Julian Hyde, Programme Manager Adzmin Fatta, and villagers from Kampung Larapan Hujung, alongside representatives from the Semporna District Office. During the meeting, Senior Assistant District Officer (ADO) Azis Bin Hj Bool expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its importance in protecting Larapan Island’s unique marine biodiversity.
“Our meeting with Mr. Azis Bin Hj Bool, the Senior Assistant District Officer (ADO) of the Semporna District Office, was both successful and meaningful. He acknowledged that this protocol is timely and highly relevant in protecting the island’s unique marine biodiversity while empowering local islanders to safeguard their environment. During the discussion, he also emphasized his and the District Office’s full support for the initiative, expressing a deep personal connection to Larapan
Island, as he himself hails from there.” said Hyde.
Driving Sustainable Marine Conservation
The implementation of the Community Protocol is expected to ensure sustainable marine resource management while promoting equitable access and benefits for all Larapan islanders. According to Hyde, “The development and implementation of a Community Protocol will ensure the sustainable management of marine resources, promoting equitable access and benefits for all Larapan islanders. This initiative is expected to lead to improved marine conservation outcomes and enhanced local capacity for resource management.”
The OCEAN Grant Programme underscores the importance of community-led conservation efforts, aligning with global sustainable development goals related to poverty reduction and marine biodiversity protection. This initiative serves as a model for how collaborations between local communities, NGOs, and international organisations can lead to meaningful and lasting environmental impact.
For more information about Reef Check Malaysia and its initiatives, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram, or contact them at [email protected].
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