KOTA KINABALU: Preserving Sabah’s natural beauty remains among Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew’s priorities.

Placing wildlife conservation at the forefront of the state's eco-tourism strategy, she said that there are initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species, such as elephants and otters.

Liew then said that these efforts are not only safeguarding Sabah’s unique biodiversity but also enhancing the state’s appeal as a top destination for nature-loving tourists.

“Recently, a Japanese company made a significant contribution to elephant conservation by donating 100ha of land along the Kinabatangan River to establish an Elephant Food Corridor,” said Liew.

Liew had described the investor as a lover of wildlife, who is sponsoring the project “out of their own pocket”.

This project is carried out through the Sabah Tourism Board and will provide a secure habitat for elephants, reducing the ongoing conflicts between the animals and local farmers.

By creating this protected space, elephants will have access to natural food sources, decreasing the likelihood of them encroaching on farmland.

“This initiative is crucial, not only in protecting elephants but also in promoting responsible tourism,” Liew said.

The project is aimed at protecting elephants in the area as there have been cases of the animals dying in traps and it would also help reduce human-wildlife conflict there, especially in the plantation areas.

“We welcome any party, local or international, that are interested to collaborate with us in the preservation of wildlife,” she said.

She said that European tourists in particular have shown a growing interest in visiting Sabah to experience its remarkable wildlife, with many eager to witness elephants in their natural habitat.

Beyond elephants, Liew is actively involved in discussions to strengthen the protection of Sabah’s otters and other endangered species.

These efforts form part of the state’s broader environmental conservation strategy, which aligns with its goal to promote sustainable tourism.

Despite her hectic schedule, which includes expanding Sabah’s international tourism connections, Liew remains dedicated to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

“I am committed to preserving Sabah’s natural beauty while driving the state’s tourism and business sectors forward,” she said, adding that this underscores her vision for a sustainable future where ecotourism and conservation go hand-in-hand.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/14/sabah039s-environment-minister-liew-passionate-about-preserving-state039s-biodiversity