Sabah's Marine Future: UMS-JSK Partnership to Study Mantanani Biodiversity
University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and JSK Mantanani Island Resort have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on marine biodiversity research and education around the Mantanani Islands, off Kota Belud.
This collaboration builds on conservation concerns observed on the island, including threats to sea turtle populations, and creates a stronger framework for long-term restoration work.
Focus Areas
The partnership centers on two core priorities:
- Marine life protection
- Habitat restoration
Planned efforts include seagrass restoration, sea turtle monitoring and rescue, and coral reef rehabilitation to support healthier marine ecosystems.
Conservation Progress on the Ground
JSK Mantanani Island Resort has already introduced several practical conservation initiatives, including a turtle hatchery with capacity for up to 1,000 eggs and a high hatching success rate for green turtle nests.
Resort team members have also been trained and appointed as Honorary Wildlife Rangers, enabling direct participation in beach monitoring, nest relocation, and hatchery operations under approved conservation practices.
Research, Education, and Public Awareness
Through UMS and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (IPMB), the collaboration also strengthens the scientific and educational backbone of the program.
A Wildlife Gallery initiative at the resort is planned to showcase educational specimens and improve public awareness of Sabah's marine biodiversity.
Long-Term Impact
This partnership supports a broader vision where responsible tourism and marine conservation grow together. By combining academic research with on-site operational commitment, UMS and JSK aim to help protect Mantanani's ecosystems while supporting Sabah's eco-tourism future.