OBJECTIVES
To promote the
conservation of
wetlands in Sabah and
the variety of plants,
birds and other kinds
of organisms found in
them.
To raise public aware-
ness and appreciation
of wetlands and public
involvement in
protecting wetlands.
To manage Kota
Kinabalu Wetlands
(KKW) as a model
wetlands centre for the
purpose of conserva-
tion, education,
recreation, tourism
and research.
Contact us:
Tel:+6088-246 955
Fax: +6088-247 955
or
Like us on Facebook:
(https://www.facebook.com/
SabahWetlandsConservation
Society)
Visit our Website:
www.sabahwetlands.org
Visit us today : Tue-Sun
(including PH)
8.00am—6.00pm
Sabah Wetlands
Conservation Society
(SWCS) /
Pertubuhan
Pemuliharaan Tanah
Lembap Sabah,
Established on
22 August 2005
SWCS NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2016
In conjunction of World Wetlands Day 2016, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) in collaboration with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia is organising the annual World Wetlands Day 2016, which will be held on 27 February 2016 (7.30am – 2.30pm) at Kota Kinabalu Wetlands. This environmental event aims to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands for our future, while promoting a healthy lifestyle by organising the 2KM Walk-N-Plant-A-Thon (walk-a-thon) into the mangrove forest. Among the activities that will be held are; 1. World Wetlands Day Launching Ceremony 2. Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Open Day 3. A book launching ―A Guide to the plants of Kota Kinabalu Wetlands‖ 4. Registration and talks for KK Wetlands Voluntary Guardian 5. Mangrove Challenge (Sukaneka) and many more.. For further information, please visit our face book page at; www.facebook.com/events/1049024218451723/
PAGE 2 JANUARY 2016
Waterbird refers to ‗the species of birds which ecologically dependent on wetlands‘. Waterbirds traverse across the world , south-north-south, during their migratory cycle every year to avoid winter in northern and southern continents. Wetlands areas along the waterbirds flyway are vital points for the success of the migration. Sadly, conversion of landuse of wetlands in different countries become more tense recently, creating bottlenecks effect on the waterbirds abundance during the migration. Thus, the monitoring and conservation of the migratory waterbirds is a shared responsibility of all countries. The International Waterbirds Census is a waterbird monitoring programme coordinated by Wetlands International. The Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC) is a part of the global waterbird monitoring programme to monitor the waterbirds population across the East Asian-Australian Flyway. This year, AWC was scheduled from 9th to 24th January 2016. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Sabah Branch was holding a census in Sabah on 16th January. KK Wetlands was chosen as gathering center for the volunteers on the day. The area covered for the census includes KK Wetlands, Likas Mudflat, Likas Lagoon, and Penampang Paddy Field.
ASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUSASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUSASIAN WATERBIRD CENSUS
Meeting between co-coordinators of Sabah AWC on 12th January, KK Wetlands.
From left: Anna Wong (MNS Chairperson), Davisthon (KK Wetlands staff), Rita (KK Wetlands Manager), Eugene Cheah (IWC
volunteer) and Tomoko Ichikawa (Volunteer of East Asian-Australasian Flyway
Registration site for volunteers
Welcoming and briefing by Mrs Anna Wong
Introduction of AWC by Tomoko Ichikawa
Children group lead by Tomoko
Waterbird counting at the bird hide
All group gathered again to share the outcomes
Precious moment with the birdwatchers and volunteers.
Till we meet again!
PAGE 3 JANUARY 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMEENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMEENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME
13 January 2016: JICA, DBKK and US Ambassador (The Forest Park Conservancy) We were happy to receive a visit from JICA, DBKK and US Ambassador (Ms Renee Myers) from The Forest Park Conservancy. Always happy to meet individuals and groups that interested in exploring our 24 ha of mangrove conservation area. The amazing perk of working in KK Wetlands is to meet new people..everyday!
7 January 2016: Hong Kong Community College of City University Welcoming our new friends from Hong Kong - Asia's World City! When we do something new, we get new experience no matter it is small or big. Thank you for choosing KK Wetlands as one of the learning ground.
Briefing and Q&A session in KK Wetlands at AV Room
Guided walk with Dr Jiro Iguchi The session ended by momento presentation to KK Wetlands
13 January 2016: Keisei High School, Japan Students from Keisei High School and SM All Saints working together to achieve their mission; tree replanting and to study on the importance of mangrove conservation.
Briefing before tree planting activity at Sulaman
Planting trees in a hot sunny day is actually very tiring but it is worthy
Guided walk into the nursery while sharing information about wetlands with the
participant
Video presentation and brief introduction of KK Wetlands
Information sharing by Toru (JOCV Volunteer) at the
Exhibition hall
Experiencing the majestic view of mangrove forest
Taking photo together before saying good bye
PAGE 3
PAGE 3 JANUARY 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMEENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMEENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME
15 January 2016, JICA Study Tour The delegation from Japan Overseas Cooperate Volunteers visited Malaysia for few days, to inspect JOCV activities and to learn about their progress report. Mr. Tamamushi, JOCV from SWCS gave a brief presentation about his duties for the past 6 months and guided them for the mangrove tour .
Mangrove tour Presentation by Toru Tamamushi
on his work progress The JOVC delegation
31 January 2016: Rosaryhill School, China A total of 25 students from Rosaryhill School, China joined our handcrafting activity (paper making using used paper) and took a tour into the mangrove forest.
ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTARY WorkENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTARY WorkENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTARY Work
23 January 2016: Polytechnic College Kota Kinabalu tree planting Previously, on 23rd Oct 2015, KK Wetlands received a donation of RM4,000 from Ogawa House Builder, a construction company from Japan. They pledged to plant a total of 450 mangrove trees. In continuation of their efforts, a group of 30 students and 4 lecturers from Polytechnic College volunteered to plant the remaining 240 of mangrove trees. Thank you Polytechnic College!
Group photo before tree planting The human chain process: to ease the transferring of seedlings
Hard work pay off SWCS presented the certificate
of appreciation
PAGE 4
All donations made to the Society are exempted from tax under Subsection 44(6) of Income Tax Act 1967.
PAGE 3 JANUARY 2016
30 January 2016: MAHSA College students A total of 17 students and 1 lecturer visited KK Wetlands at the best time to help us in doing community service work in KK Wet-lands. The volunteers helped us on the general cleaning, landscaping, repairing gravel path and mangrove clean up. Thank you and we look forward for your continuous support in the near future. ―Don‘t despise your contributions to humanity. Every little kind deed counts.‖ ― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
Group 1: Gardening—trimming leaves and raking the fallen
leaves
Group 2: Cleaning the Exhibition hall
Group 3: Repairing gravel path
Last but not least! The mangrove clean up
As usual the Group Photo
Sungai kawang fieldtripSungai kawang fieldtripSungai kawang fieldtrip
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society was set up with the objective to raise public awareness and appreciation of wetlands and public involvement in protecting wetlands. This fieldtrip is focusing on the threatened wetlands and getting it protected. Sungai Kawang which located at Kawang, Papar district is a potential candidate for a sustainable conservation and management of the mangrove ecosys-tem and river continuum. On 20 and 21 January, a group of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society‘s researchers led by Dr. Haji Rahi-
matsah Amat went to Sg Kawang to conduct resource inventory mainly on flora and fauna and to identify any encroachment or inappro-priate activities along the river.
Healthy mangrove trees along the river-bank
Team of the fieldtrip lead by Dr Haji Ra-himatsah Amat (second from right)
Boat ride along Sg Kawang
Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s NEEDS, but not
every man’s GREED. ~Mahatma Gandhi~
PAGE 5
JANUARY 2016
TRIP TO SUNGEI BULOH WETLANDS RESERVE, SINGAPORE, PANTI BIRD SANCTUARY & SUNGAI PULAI, RAM-SAR SITE , JOHOR “Jauh perjalanan, luas pandangan”- On 16 and 17 January, the management and staffs of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society went for fieldtrip to Sg. Buloh Wetlands Reserve, Singapore, Panti Bird Sanctuary, Johor and Sungai Pulai, Johor Ramsar Site with the objective to gain better understanding on the restoration practices and management of mangrove systems, as well as to build rapport and networking between wetlands reserve and Ramsar sites. Once again, life is a journey and every day is an opportunity to go beyond the horizon and do something new.
SWCS FIELDTRIPSWCS FIELDTRIPSWCS FIELDTRIP
Group photo with Johor Forestry Department officers at Panti Bird Sanctuary
Jungle trekking at Panti Bird Sanctuary Boat Ride along the Ramsar Site, Sungai Pulai
One of observation pod in Sungei Buloh, Singapore
Tree planting at one of the compartment in Sg Pulai
Memento presentation with Sungai Buloh Wet-lands Reserve officer
InternshipInternshipInternship
Welcome new intern! Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, would like to welcome you, Nurhidayah; to KK Wetlands and we are grateful that you choose KK Wetlands as your training ground. We assure to assist you in the best possible manners. We hope that you will gain knowledgeable experiences and will learn as many as you can with some cherish able memories. Once again, we welcome you to this wonderful wetlands centre.
Nurhidayah Sharmiera Binti Mohd Shukri, Diploma in Accountancy, Kolej Polytech MARA, Kuantan, PAHANG
PAGE 6
JANUARY 2016
Guest commentsGuest commentsGuest comments Some of....Some of....Some of....
Daine & Dave, UK (living in France)
“We spent an excellent 3 hours — saw some lovely birds from the bird hide (5 or 6 different species). Great job by the students, cleaning the mangrove of rubbish. Best wishes for the future success of the centre.”
6 January 2016: Lucy “It is wonderful to find a place like
this so close to the city”
29 January 2016: Joyce Morgan, Scotland “We enjoyed our visit here very
much. We even saw small snake.”
Joyce (middle)
28 January 2016: Julian & Brandon Hewitt “Great area of mangrove, very well
fun!! A few lifters for us both.”
3 February 2016: ANBATAR (Anak Belia Kampung Taritipan) Report Duty (Practical) 23 February 2016: New Intern Report Duty 24 February 2016: EVW with SMK Taman Tun Fuad
27th February 2016: WORLD WETLANDS DAY! 29th February 2016: EEP with Tokyo University
IN HOUSE EXPERT IN HOUSE EXPERT IN HOUSE EXPERT
UPCOMING EVENT ON FEBRUARYUPCOMING EVENT ON FEBRUARYUPCOMING EVENT ON FEBRUARY
Datuk Gerald Goh is a property development and construction industry practitioner. Datuk Gerald also the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Kinsabina Group, a local corporation which specializes in property development and construction. Academically, Datuk Gerald possesses a Bachelor‘s degree with honors in
Construction Engineering and Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in Technical Science (Civil), Master‘s
degree in Construction Project Management and a Master‘s degree in Business Administration, all from the UK.
Datuk also a Chartered Building Engineer, Chartered Builder, accredited Project Manager in the UK and a Certified Construction Project Manager in Malaysia. Gerald is a Council Member for the Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (Malaysian Chapter) and a Council Member (Sabah Liaison) for the Association of Construction Project Managers Malaysia. At the social and community service standpoint, Datuk Gerald has been actively involved with Rotary
International and was instrumental to the establishment of Rotary Club of Penampang District where Datuk was the President for the term 2009-2010 and still a charter member as of to-date. Currently, Datuk Gerald is a member of the Management Committee of Sabah Wetlands Conversation Society and leads the Fundraising Committee, and through this role, Datuk wishes to promote environmental conversation and sustainability awareness to his fellow industry colleagues in the property and construction sector. In recognition of Datuk Gerald Goh‘s professional, business, social and community accomplishments, Datuk was awarded the
Excellence in Achievement of World Chinese Youth Entrepreneurs Award 2013 and was appointed by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing as a Council Member for the Penampang District, Sabah. Recently, Datuk Gerald also being conferred Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (P.G.D.K) which carries the title ‗Datuk‘ by TYT Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar bin Haji Mahiruddin, in conjunction with His Excellency‘s 62nd Birthday on 3 October 2015.
PAGE 2
PAGE JANUARY 2016
Contributors:
Rita Ignatius
(Manager / Executive Secretary)
Jane Joimin
(Environmental Education Officer)
Guslia Binti Lahasing
(Conservation & Science Officer)
Toru Tamamushi
(JICA Volunteer)
Davisthon Soitoh
(Conservation & Education Assist.)
Compiled by :
Davisthon Soitoh
SUPPORT US BY JOINING OUR
PROGRAMMES:
Environmental Educational
Programmes:
KK Wetlands Mangrove
Experience Programme
Mangrove Conservation
Experience Programme (includes
tree planting in Tuaran)
Handcrafting from Mangrove
Environmental Voluntary Work
(*Contact us for activity booking form)
Tel No: 088-246955
Email: [email protected]
All donations made to the Society are exempted from tax under Subsection 44(6) of Income Tax Act 1967.
SUPPORT OUR EFFORT! BE A MEMBER today!SUPPORT OUR EFFORT! BE A MEMBER today!SUPPORT OUR EFFORT! BE A MEMBER today!
KK Wetlands infoKK Wetlands infoKK Wetlands info
Alert for birders and wildlife photographers: Nesting season of PURPLE HERON
Now we can see more than 25 individual Purple Herons, including the newly hatched juveniles.
BIRD HIDE
Purple Heron Nesting Site General sight at the nesting site.
Photo by: Eugene Cheah (Wildlife Photographer)
Purple Heron (Adea purpurea) Description: Look for Diagnostic purple head and neck. Note how head is pulled
back during flight. Voice: Harsh croak, mainly uttered
within breeding colony and when taking off.
Distribution: Africa and Eurasia; northern population migrate. Winter
visitor & resident throughout much of the region, including Hong Kong, Singapore
and Brunei.