KOTA KINABALU: Despite being a developing state, Sabah is not alone in conservation efforts, garnering the support of many quarters in its endeavours.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew said southeast Asian countries, along with their governments, non-governmental organisations, and individuals, have come together to form a united front in the face of environmental and cultural challenges.
"Like any other developing region, conservation constantly clashes with the socio-economic development.
"However, it is safe to say that Sabah has contributed to ensuring that Malaysia is still more than 50 per cent covered in the natural environment, with more than 20 per cent protected terrestrial areas surpassing the Aichi Target of 15 per cent by 2020.
"However, like many other regions, we are consistently trying our best to make it a reality to contribute to the achievement of the global movement to achieve 30 percent of terrestrial and 30 percent of marine areas conserved by the year 2030."
She said Sabah is also the third in the world to receive Unesco Triple Crown designation for the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site, Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, and Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark, after Jeju, Korea and Shennonjia, China.
Liew was speaking during the The 14th Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserves Network (SeaBRnet) Meeting: "Envisioning People in Biosphere Reserves Living in Harmony with Nature" including a special session of the Asia-Pacific Biosphere Reserves Network at a hotel here this morning.
She said Sabah extended an open invitation to neighbouring countries to join the noble cause.
"The success of SeaBRnet depends on the collective efforts of all participants. Our shared goals are to preserve our environment, foster cultural understanding, and promote sustainable development in the region.
"The SeaBRnet is more than just an initiative; it is a testament to the shared vision of our nations in Southeast Asia.
"It recognises that the environment knows no borders, and that the cultural diversity within our region is a source of strength and unity."
SeaBRnet's main key pillars are on conserving designated biosphere reserves, cultural exchange and preservation, sustainable tourism, research and knowledge sharing; and youth and community Engagement.
Present were the ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah and Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim.