Today is 17th February 2024 and it is World Pangolin Day, a day that goes beyond being just a date on the calendar. It serves as a global call to action to save one of the most trafficked mammals on the planet. This year, the theme "United for the conservation of pangolins," set by the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, serves as an inspiration for us. It reminds us of the power of collective action when it comes to addressing the challenges faced by these unique species. Through my involvement in a series of impactful activities aimed at pangolin conservation, in collaboration with various conservation partners, I have witnessed firsthand what we can achieve when we come together for a shared cause.
Earlier this year, together with Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP) and Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Puteh Kinabatangan (KOPEL), and supported by the Sabah Wildlife Department, we organised a workshop that brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officers, plantation managers, tour guides, conservationists, researchers, and members of local communities. Our goal was clear: to raise awareness and motivate action on pangolin conservation, with a particular focus on the roles of the agricultural and tourism sectors, as well as the local communities involved in these sectors. During the workshop, we explored critical issues such as habitat fragmentation, the threats it poses such as poaching and human-pangolin conflict, and habitat loss. We also emphasised the important role of oil palm plantations in biodiversity conservation. The outcome was incredibly rewarding – increased awareness among participants, opportunities for networking and future collaborations, and the ongoing drafting of conservation strategies.
We took a practical step to fulfil our commitment to pangolin conservation. In collaboration with LEAP, we initiated a project crucial for the well-being of rescued and confiscated pangolins – the creation of specific transportation crates. These crates, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of pangolins, are to support the rescue and release operations of the SWD with the purpose of improving the survival rates of pangolins, from keeping them temporarily in captivity to ensuring their safe transportation back to their natural habitats. This initiative represents our ongoing efforts to enhance the processes of pangolin rescue, rehabilitation, and release in Sabah.
I am scheduled to deliver an online talk aimed at primary and secondary students and their teachers, organised by 1StopBorneo Wildlife. This programme goes beyond simply sharing knowledge; it aims to ignite a passion for conservation among the younger generation. The talk will cover a wide range of topics, from basic facts about pangolins to the complex challenges they face, such as habitat loss, trafficking, and the urgent need for protection. The ultimate goal is to inspire these young minds and help them understand that they, too, can make a difference in the world of conservation. This is an opportunity to nurture a new generation of conservation guardians, motivated to safeguard our planet's biodiversity.
We are excited to share that our conservation efforts will soon reach the heart of the community through a visit to SK Moyog School in a small town in East Sabah. I am personally passionate about this initiative because it allows us to directly engage with the local community, especially the younger generation. Through interactive sessions, presentations, and discussions, our goal is to educate and inspire these students and teachers about pangolin conservation. The programme not only aims to provide information but also to encourage active participation in conservation efforts, emphasising that every individual has a role to play in protecting our wildlife. The programme is expected to benefit approximately 300 students and teachers.
World Pangolin Day, with its theme "United for the conservation of pangolins," emphasises our shared dedication to protecting these unique species. Each initiative, including workshops, rescue efforts, educational talks, and school programmes, contributes to a common objective: ensuring that pangolins have a fighting chance for survival. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and supporters, whose generosity and commitment make our work possible. I invite you, the reader, to join us in this collective cause. Whether by spreading awareness, supporting conservation efforts, or simply learning more about pangolins, your involvement can truly make a difference. Together, echoing the theme, we can turn the tide for pangolins and work towards a future where they thrive in the wild, free from the threats that currently endanger their existence.