Semporna Islands Project 1998 - 2001 - Semporna Islands Darwin Project 2005

Semporna Islands Project 1998-2001

The Semporna Islands Project (SIP) was a collaborative venture between the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), Sabah Parks, WWF Malaysia and Nature Link and was funded by the European Community under its global environment budget line.

The aim of the project was to produce a plan that would ensure a better future for the islands and reefs and the people who depend on them. If this could be achieved there would be significant long-lasting economic and conservation benefits for the area.

The SIP surveys confirmed the importance of the site for nature conservation in Sabah, and its value to local people as a source of natural products, including fish, shellfish and seaweed (for more information see Use of Natural Resources in the proposed Semporna Islands Park). Research and monitoring also highlighted changes and degradation caused by human activities, particularly intensive harvesting of natural resources and the use of explosives whilst fishing on the reefs.

The outcome of the SIP research programme, combined with ideas from workshops and other consultations, led to the production in 2001 of a Conservation Management Plan, and a proposal for the establishment of a State Park incorporating eight islands and their surrounding reefs. The Tun Sakaran Marine Park was finally gazetted in June 2004, with special provisions that protected people’s rights.

email:: info@sempornaislandsproject.com

Designed and compiled by Eliz abeth Wood & Andy Davies

URL http://www.sempornaislandsproject.com