KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s decision to scrap the construction of a bridge in Sukau across the Kinabatangan river has earned kudos from international organisations that supported conservation works in the state.
Abraham Foundation president Nancy Abraham felt encouraged by the strong commitment shown by the state government in protecting habitats, especially in the Kinabatangan landscape that wildlife such as elephants and orang utans called home.
“I want to express gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and other visionary leaders from Sabah for making the courageous decision to cancel the proposed bridge that would have further divided the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Know that the entire world applauds your decision and salutes Sabah as a true leader in the conservation of our natural world,” Abraham who represented the US-based nonprofit organisation said in a statement.
Shared Earth Foundation chief executive officer and president Caroline Gabel said efforts should be focused on creating connectivity for wildlife in the fragmented sanctuary, a move that will also benefit local communities and other stakeholders, including from the agriculture and tourism sectors.
“In the world’s rapidly dwindling space for animals and their habitat, the Sabah government has stood strong against the trends, declaring that along the Kinabatangan river, all species including but not limited to humans, have a right to live and thrive,” said Gabel.
Both representatives were on the Board of Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP) organisation, had written to Musa in August last year expressing their concerns that a public bridge would lead to problems rather than help strengthen the integrity of the Lower Kinabatangan.
Woodtiger Fund president and co-founder Susan Wallace said it was a wise decision and one that would lead to long term benefits for both people and wildlife.
“Sabah is very fortunate to possess such magnificent natural beauty.
“I deeply respect the bold leaders for their commitment to conserve and protect Sabah’s rich biodiversity for future generations and, importantly, for the sake of the wildlife itself.
“It is a noble, visionary, and enduring deed. Sabah has demonstrated that it is a conservation model for the world,” Susan said.