KOTA KINABALU WETLANDS TOWARDS ITS RAMSAR STATUSGUSLIA LAHASING1, RITA IGNATIUS1 and ANN ANTON2
1Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society

c/o Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, Off Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper, 88400 Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia.
2 Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jln UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

guslia@sabahwetlands.org1 and exec.secretary@sabahwetlands.org1

Abstract:
Kota Kinabalu Wetlands (KKW), a 24-hectare mangrove area located in the heart of Kota
Kinabalu city, is managed by the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS), a not-forprofit organisation. KKW is governed by a Management Committee consisting of elected
members and ex-officio from relevant government agencies and WWF-Malaysia. This
unique collaborative partnership provides diverse expertise needed for achieving its aims.
Since its official opening to the public in March 2000 until 2014, more than 150, 000 local
and international visitors have visited KKW; and more than 30,000 students haveparticipated in its Environmental Education Programme. Acting as a biodiversity reservoir,
KKW supports more than 92 species of resident and migratory birds, various reptilian
species, 12 species of mangrove trees and other marine life-forms. KKW was nominated asa RAMSAR site in 2013 and is currently pursuing RAMSAR Status as Wetlands ofInternational Importance.
This paper describes the crucial timeline of KKW, the introduction of SWCS Management,
efforts for biodiversity conservation, its environmental education activities and efforts in its
nomination as Ramsar status as well as the achievements and challenges encountered overthe past 15 years.

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INTRODUCTION
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) is a not-for-profit organization based in Kota
Kinabalu City, which advocates environmental conservation and awareness of wetlands
ecosystem found in Sabah. The vision of SWCS is “conservation and sustainable
management of Sabah’s Wetlands”. Derived from the vision, the mission of SWCS is “toensure protection and wise use of all wetlands in Sabah, through education, research andadvocacy”.
Formed on 22nd August 2005, SWCS was entrusted by the Sabah Wildlife Department tomanage KKW in 2006 with the aim for it to operate independently as a self-sustainable
centre. SWCS has three objectives which are (i) To promote the conservation of wetlands in
Sabah and the variety of plants, birds and other kinds of living organism found in them; (ii)To raise public awareness and appreciation of the wetlands and public involvement inprotecting wetlands; (iii) To manage Kota Kinabalu Wetlands as a model wetland centre forthe purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research.

SWCS is managed by 20 management committee members

from relevant government

agencies viz. Ministry of Local Government & Housing, Kota Kinabalu City (DBKK), Sabah
Wildlife Department, Environment Protection Department, Sabah Education Department,
Department of Irrigation and Drainage and local NGO (i.e. WWF- Malaysia).

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KOTA KINABALU WETLANDS
Wetlands are an often misunderstood and underappreciated as wastelands. This resulted inmost of the wetlands being destroyed to make way for buildings or landfills. In the late1980’s, a group of environmentalist from WWF discovered a mangrove swamp in Likas andlobbied for the area to be converted for protection. This area is now known as the Kota
Kinabalu Wetlands (KKW), a 24 hectares of mangrove swamp located in the heart of Kota
Kinabalu City. It was designated as a Bird Sanctuary in September 1996 under the custodyof Sabah Wildlife Department, and was declared a State Cultural Heritage Site in 1998
towards wetlands conservation in Sabah. It was previously known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird
Sanctuary (KKCBS) and went through a name change to become the Kota Kinabalu
Wetlands on 1st August 2006. This change was to reflect the overall values of the place andwhile placing greater emphasis on the conservation of wetlands.

KKW was managed by the Likas Wetlands Sanctuary Management Committee (LWSMC)
before it was officially taken over by SWCS on July 1, 2006. KKW is managed by 6 full time
staff, who are responsible for managing daily activities at the wetlands - they consist of theManager, Conservation & Science Officer, Environmental Education Officer, Conservation &Education Assistant, Administrative & Account Assistant and Gardener. KKW is opened from
8.00am to 6.00pm from Tuesday until Saturday and is closed on Mondays, except for public
holidays.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Fauna Diversity
KKW supports an abundance of aquatic and other wildlife. More than 90 species of resident
and migratory birds, 21 species of fish, 19 crustacean species, 13 mollusc species, 44
insects’ species and 6 reptiles’ species, 2 chelicerates species and 1 species of cnidaria
have been recorded in KKW. Egrets, Kingfishers and little herons’ are commonly seen
throughout the day whilst the iconic Purple Heron and Rufus Night heron are known to makequite frequent appearances. KKW also serves as resting and feeding habitats for migratory
birds, which are usually sighted from September to April. These wetlands have recorded 2
protected species of birds which are the Lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) and theChinese egret (Egretta eulophotes). Both species are listed in the 2010 IUCN red List as
Vulnerable.
Research and development (R&D) is part of the conservation efforts in KKW. Besides
studies on the mangrove fauna and flora at KKW, a recent study on bees, wasps and3hoverflies recorded an additional 44 new insect species (28 bees, 15 wasps and 1 hoverfly)
from a total of 88 insect species identified (Dirk, 2014). Continuous water quality monitoringis conducted to ensure that the wetlands sustainably support the survival of aquatic species.

KKW has seen the disappearance of particular animal species due to the presence of illegal
settlements within the mangrove swamp. For example otters, long-tailed macaques (Macaca
fascicularis), some birds such as Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) and Straw headed
bulbul (Pycnonotus zeylanicus) which used to inhabit the mangrove swamp are no longer
sighted since the development of a golf course in the vicinity of the wetlands (2011, Lee).
Flora Diversity
There are more than 12 species of mangrove trees out of a total of 32 mangrove species
found in Sabah recorded in KKW, viz the genus Rhizophora, Bruguiera, Avicennia andSonneratia. Of these, the most dominant species in KKW is Rhizophora apiculata. Since theearly days of KKW, mangrove tree planting is the priority in order to restore the badly
degraded area due to encroachment by illegal settlers in KKW. More than 10,000 seedlings
have been planted in KKW since year 2000 until 2012 (Lee and Zainie, 2012).

The total area of mangrove vegetation within forest reserves in Sabah is approximately
338,000 ha or 60% of the country’s total (Tangah et al., 2015). Based on the latest
assessment of forest cover of Sabah, about 3,300 ha of mangrove forest have been illegally
encroach and exploited which lead to ecological devastations such as flash floods, waste
disposal problem and low water quality. Therefore, in collaboration with Sabah Forestry
Department in the year 2010, approximately 25,000 trees have been planted at Sulaman
Lake Forest Reserve (SLFR) to conserve the degraded mangrove area.

SWCS in collaboration with Sabah Parks has embarked on efforts to conserve and protect
an endangered mangrove species known as Berus mata buaya (Bruguiera hainessii). This
species is listed as “critical endangered” by the IUCN. It has very low propagation and a slow
growth rate (Yang et., al.) The propagules were obtained from the only 2 matured trees leftin Pulau Manukan, Taman Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sabah. Currently, 56 propagules havebeen planted in KKW nursery, and studies are currently conducted to monitor

its

propagation and growth rate.

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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME
Since its official launching to the public in March 2000 until 2014, more than 150,000 local
and international visitors have visited KKW; of these more than 30,000 students haveparticipated in the Environmental Education Programme. A number ofEnvironmental

Education Programmes in line with SWCS objectives were developed, mainly to raise publicawareness and appreciation of the importance of wetlands as well as to promote public
involvement in protecting the wetlands. These include international participation from Japan,
Sweden, Singapore and many more through our existing Environmental Education
Programme.

Among the programmes carried out in KKW are (i) Mangrove Experiences programme: main
activity is to introduce wetlands through interpretative walks into the mangroves, whereparticipants can appreciate the various types of flora and fauna. (ii) Mangrove Conservation
Programme: where participants contribute back to the wetlands - after guided walks in the
mangroves, they will experience the mangrove tree replanting activity. This has proven to be
an excellent opportunity for those interested in getting closer to the mangroves. (iii)
Mangrove voluntary work: this programme offers the community an opportunity to play a rolein supporting the conservation of KKW in mangrove clean up or nursery work. (iv)
Handcrafting from Mangrove programme: this program is in support of efforts to recycle,
where participants learn how to recycle used paper and produce creative handmade
products, i.e photo frame, greetings card and others.

KKW also has a programme with local schools and communities through the outreachprogram; via this activity, KKW is able to spread public awareness and appreciation of thewetlands through talks and motivational camps. This is one of the programmes conducted
by KKW to share the importance and crucial facts about wetlands to the public. On anannual basis, KKW celebrates World Wetlands day, World Environment Day and Malaysia
Environment Week, as part of our effort to increase awareness among the community.

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ACHIEVEMENT OF KOTA KINABALU WETLANDSKKW is heading towards its goal as a model wetland centre involved in the conservation,
education, tourism and research activities. Currently, it is considered as a well-managed
wetlands reserve that serves as a model for mangrove conservation in an urban
environment.

From the environmental conservation perspective, KKW has achieved remarkable successin fulfilling its responsibilities. Among its achievements since it was established are:

It is ranked by Sabah Wetlands inventory of 1986 as the top most important wetlands
habitat in Sabah to “… water birds significant interest combined with accessibility
making it ideal for educational tourist development”.

Received the Sabah Environmental Award 2009–2010 for Outstanding NonGovernmental Organization Award.



Recognition by Sabah Government as “Pejabat Tanpa Sampah” in 2012 – 2013.



Nomination as the second RAMSAR Site in Sabah in 2013.



Successfullyorganizedthe

3-in-1

fundraising

events;Fundraising

Dinner,Fundraising Golf Tournament and International Symposium on Conservation andManagement of Wetlands in 2014.
Nomination as RAMSAR Site
Malaysia presently has 6 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with asurface area of 134,158 hectares, in which 4 wetlands are in Peninsular Malaysia, 1 inSarawak and 1 in Sabah. Of these, Sabah has the largest Ramsar site located in the Ulu
Segama Kinabatangan Wetlands with the area coverage of 78,803 hectares.

Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society has initiated the proposal to attain RAMSAR status
for KKW. The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji
Masidi Haji Manjun, expressed his utmost support towards the proposal during World
Wetlands Day celebration on 2009. This was then coordinated by SWCS in collaboration
with the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC) and now Sabah Natural Resources Office (NRO)
as the new focal point for RAMSAR at the State level. The nomination has been facilitatedby the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) as the administrative authority(National Focal Point) and communicates with the Ramsar Secretariat for any inquiries or
requirement regarding the nomination.

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Due to its importance as wetlands ecosystem with significant conservation andsocioeconomic value, the KKW was submitted for recognition as the second Ramsar Site in
Sabah as it fulfils 4 listed criteria out of the 9 criteria as follows: stipulated under theConvention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention.
Criteria 1: Wetlands of international importance due to representative, rare or
unique examples of a near-natural wetland type found within the appropriate
biogeographic region.
KKW is a particularly good example of a natural coastal mangrove system,
characteristic of the Borneo biogeographical region (Udvardy, 1975) and critical inmaintaining local biodiversity due to the extensive loss of mangrove forests that once
existed in the coastal Kota Kinabalu.
Criteria

2:

endangered,

Wetlands
orofinternational

importance

supporting

vulnerable,

criticallyendangered

speciesthreatened

ecologicalorcommunities.
KKW recorded 2 protected species of birds:
i.

Lesser Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus), listed in the 2010 IUCH red List
as “Vulnerable”

ii.

Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes), listed in the 2010 IUCN Red List as“vulnerable” and Appendix 1 of the CMS.

Criteria 3: Wetlands of international importance supports populations of plant
and/or animal species important the biological diversity of a particularbiogeographic region.
KKW supports more than 12 species of mangroves plants and a large diversity ofanimals including more than 92 species of resident and migratory birds, various
reptilian species like monitor lizards and mangroves skinks, piscine species including
mud skippers, archerfish, catfish and halfbeak, many crustacean species such as
mud lobster and fiddler crab.
Criteria 8: Wetlands international importance due to its role of as a source of foodfor fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path on which fish stocks,
either within the wetlands or elsewhere, depend.
KKW is an important spawning and nursery ground for fish, prawn and crab. It is also an
important feeding ground for water birds as well as canopy birds. Migratory birds such as
sandpipers, red shanks and snipes use the site as a rest place in their migration path.

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THE CHALLENGES
Wetlands have been internationally recognised as a valuable ecosystem for wildlife andutilisation by human. It has become a major source of interest to the professional and the
public, but at times has often been regarded as wastelands, with some of the biggest abuses
put on it observed.
Over the years, it has been very challenging year for SWCS, particularly in the conservation
efforts to restore the degraded mangroves areas or to raise awareness among the public.
Other key challenges faced by SWCS are as follows;

1. Insufficient and discontinuous sources of funding required to manage these urban
wetlands as well as to carryout research upon which conservation and protection
strategies are based upon.

2. Manpower shortage is one of the most serious problems that tend to affect the daily
operation adversely besides delaying even the disposal of urgent cases. What is
also a matter of concern is that it seriously restricts the scope for taking up new
activities, which is not only inevitable at times, but it could also be critical requirement
to fulfil growing information needs. KKW is currently operating with a minimum of 6
staffs that required to do multi-task, such as publicity, technician, security guard,maintenance, account, daily cleaning, CSR and funding etc. It is, however, important
to note that it is not just the mere manpower shortage that is responsible forinadequate output or inefficient service delivery process but the quality of personnel
as well as the working environment is also important to improve the output.

3. KKW experiencing rapid growth and encroachment from land developers. Many ofthese communities are confronted with the tough issue of preserving the quality ofthe environment, while at the same time allowing development to occur. SWCS
supports sustainable development with the intention to protect KKW from any form ofactivities/projects which are detrimental the wetland's ecosystem and home tovarious species of mangrove trees, birds and aquatic organism.

4. KKW is faced with a number of issues that threaten the mangrove ecosystem. Someof the threats that are periodically faced is the illegal harvesting of resources within
the wetlands. Poaching of aquatic resources activity by local villagers occurs which8causes decimation of the aquatic resources which serves as food for the resident andmigratory birds.
WAY FORWARD
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS) has been vigorously working throughcollaboration with Sabah Natural Resources Office (NRO) as the State focal point for
Ramsar and Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment Malaysia towards achieving
Ramsar recognition status for KKW as wetland of international importance. To support thisprocess, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC) commissioned the development andpreparation of a management plan as a tool for the conservation and sustainable
management of the KKW. In addition, SWCS is seeking for funds to conduct more researchand development (R&D) at KKW in order to obtain new and fundamental knowledge towards
the conservation of an urban wetlands ecosystems, in line with SWCS’s objective to manage
KKW as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation,
tourism and research.

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Figure 1: GIS map of KKW
10REFERENCES:

Guslia, L., Jane. J and Aan, A. (2015). The Importance of Wetlands in Sustainable Water
Management. Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.
Dirk, D.S. (2014). A Preliminary Study on Bee-Hymenoptera;Apoidea, Wasps- Hymenoptera;
Vespoidea and hoverflies-Diptera; Syrphidae in the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands. Hogent
Nature En Techniek.
Jocelyn, M. (2007). Enviromental Education for Sustainable Development- Conservation of
Coastal Ecosystem for Lives of Local Communities Report. Sabah Wetlands
Conservation Society.
Lee, K.H. (2011). Mangrove Fauna and Their Adaptations in the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands.
Sabah Society Journal Vol (28); 15-22.
Lee, K.H. and Zainie,A.A. (2012). Wetlands Conservation Through education and Restoration in
Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, Kota Kinabalu.
Ramsar World Wetlands Day 2015 Handouts. Retrieved on 10 March 2015 from:http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/documents/handour
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (2009). Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre:Checklist of Bird.
Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, Kota Kinabalu.
Tangah, J., Bajau, F.E., Jilimin, W., Baba, S., Chan, H.T. and Kezuka, M. (2015). Rehabilitationof Mangroves in Sabah − The SFD-ISME Collaboration (2011−2014). Sabah Forestry
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Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
Yang, S., Rachel L. F., Lim., Sheue, C.R., Jean, W. H. and Yong (2011). The Current Status of
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Conservation for a Sustainable Singapore’. Pg. 99–120.

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