Biodiversity information and training
One of the main aims of this part of the SIDP programme is to enhance knowledge and skills within Sabah Parks in relation to biodiversity and its relevance to Park management.
An introductory one-week biodiversity training course for 20 Sabah Parks staff was held in Semporna in February 2010. The aim was to increase the participant’s working knowledge of reef flora and fauna and to enhance their understanding of the biological dynamics of coral reefs and the importance of applying ecological principles to management.
Biodiversity Training Course in Semporna, Feb 2010
The programme consisted of 3 classroom days with talks and interactive sessions, and two field days in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. On these trips, various activities were undertaken, including seagrass studies, coral identification and fish surveys. Mini-projects were also carried out by the participants, involving investigations at the Semporna fish market and dry produce market, which sells items such as shells and shark fins.
Classroom shell identification session © H. Brunt
Fish identification during the field day at Pulau Boheydulang © H. Brunt
Fish identification during the field day at Pulau Boheydulang © H. Brunt
Interpretive material and biodiversity displays for the wider public are being prepared, and will be set up at several locations in the Park and Semporna area. An underwater nature trail is also being developed as a resource both for parks staff and visitors. This is about 100m long and follows the reef rim at a depth of between 3 – 5m depth. It will feature giant clams because they are globally endangered species that have been badly over-exploited in Sabah and are the focus of a rehabilitation programme in Tun Sakaran Marine Park. The trail will also give visitors the opportunity to learn about coral reef ecology and other forms of reef life. The site that has been selected already has ‘resident’ giant clams belonging to 5 species and adult specimens of the other two species have been introduced, together with thousands of juvenile clams that have been produced at the Hatchery. The latter are in cages for the first few months to protect them from predators.
Sign for the start of the giant clam ecotrail © E Wood MCS
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