Tun Mustapha Park moves closer to achieving global conservation recognition

 

A scuba diver taking part in coral planting off Tun Mustapha Park last year. -Pic courtesy of Almudi Iskal.

KUDAT: Tun Mustapha Park is moving closer towards prestigious global recognition after a decade of marine conservation efforts that have strengthened biodiversity protection, community involvement, and sustainable marine management in Sabah.

Sabah Parks Board of Trustees chairman Datuk Peter Lintar said the marine park has entered the assessment phase for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List following the submission of complete justifications and supporting documents through the conservation management planning and support system.

He said the achievement is significant, as the IUCN Green List is among the world's highest recognitions for effective protected area management.

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"Tun Mustapha Park has also been registered under Coral Triangle Marine Protected Area System Category 3 as a 'Priority Development Site' under the Coral Triangle Initiative, further strengthening Sabah's position as one of the important marine conservation areas in the region," he said during the recent launch of the park's 10th gazettement anniversary celebration here.

Lintar said the marine park, gazetted on May 19, 2016, remains Malaysia's largest multi-use marine park, covering the waters of Kudat, Kota Marudu, and Pitas.

He said various initiatives had been implemented over the past decade to strengthen marine conservation, environmental education, sustainable resource management, and coastal community development through close cooperation among government agencies, local communities, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, and strategic partners.

Among the major achievements highlighted was the implementation of the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System coral restoration programme last year, which earned recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for the country's largest coral fragment planting programme. (hyperlink: (hyperlink: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/1218296/decorated-sabah-mili…)

Lintar said conservation efforts had also strengthened community participation through the Community Use Zone initiative, involving capacity-building programmes, marine monitoring, coral restoration, and community-based tourism.

He cited Kampung Tajau Laut as an example of a successful marine conservation and community tourism model within Tun Mustapha Park through active community participation in coral restoration and training programmes.

"In terms of enforcement, integrated operations involving the police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fisheries Department, Wildlife Department, and honorary park rangers continue to be strengthened to combat fish bombing and unsustainable activities within the park area," he said.

Lintar said technologies such as ArcGIS and SMART applications are also being utilised to improve scientific data collection and marine monitoring, enabling the park to move towards modern, science-based park management.

Despite the progress, he said the park continues to face major challenges, including climate change, coral bleaching, and marine pollution.

"Continuous cooperation from all parties remains crucial to ensure conservation efforts are further strengthened for future sustainability," he said. - NST