Second scientific expedition at Sungai Pin Conservation Area completed successfully

KINABATANGAN (Oct 10): The Sawit Kinabalu Conservation and Biodiversity Unit (CBU) is proud to announce the successful completion of the second scientific expedition at the Sungai Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA), a site of immense ecological importance.

Headed by Charis Saliun as the manager and Rashidah Maqbool as the executive, CBU is dedicated to the sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation areas within Sawit Kinabalu Group operations throughout Sabah, with a focus on promoting ecotourism, community engagement and scientific research.

This expedition, conducted in collaboration with the Forest Research Centre (FRC) of the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), marks another critical step in our continued commitment to conserving biodiversity and understanding the ecological dynamics of this vital habitat.

Held from September 24 to 28, the expedition brought together 49 researchers and staff from FRC as well as CBU, led by Dr Reuben Nilus, John Sugau and Julsun Sikui.

The expedition aimed to comprehensively document the area’s ecological integrity through eight field studies on land cover, soil physicochemical status, forest dynamics and diversity assessment of the plants, large mammals, birds, fish and insects.

The team also conducted a social science study in the adjacent communities to evaluate the impact of SPnCA towards their livelihood and to ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and inclusive.

These multi-disciplinary studies aim to assess the measurable conservation value indicators for implementing and improving the Sungai Pin Conservation Area Management Plan (SPnCA CAMP).

Dr Nilus emphasised the importance of collaborative scientific efforts, stating, “The expedition is vital in providing us with the information we need to protect SPnCA better. SPnCA serves as a model of how conservation and agriculture can go hand in hand, ensuring that we are preserving not just trees but the intricate web of life that depends on them.”

Looking ahead, with the success of this second scientific expedition, Sawit Kinabalu CBU looks forward to further collaborative efforts that will continue to protect and preserve SPnCA.

Plans are underway for new initiatives, including Virtual Reality experiences that will allow visitors to explore SPnCA in an immersive way, aligning conservation efforts with innovative technology.