OSAKA, Japan: The Sabah State Government, via the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), has reaffirmed its dedication to mangrove conservation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME).
This agreement was signed on 25 August 2025 during Sabah Week at the Malaysian Pavilion, World Expo Osaka 2025.
Initiated in 2011, the SFD–ISME Mangrove Rehabilitation Project has become one of Sabah’s key conservation efforts.
Currently, the program includes 22 planting sites across 13 Forestry Districts, such as Sandakan, Beluran, Tawau, Kunak, Beaufort, Pitas, Kudat, Semporna, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Lahad Datu.
Now in its fourth phase (2024–2029), the project will proceed with backing from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd., Japan, which is contributing ¥5.5 million each year to restore damaged mangroves throughout the state.
Since it began, the project has successfully rehabilitated 556 hectares of mangrove forests, benefiting coastal ecosystems and local communities. In addition to restoration, the partnership has also promoted scientific research on mangrove ecosystems, resulting in several studies published in prominent journals, further enhancing Sabah’s position in global environmental conservation. Datuk Frederick Kugan signed the MoU on behalf of the Sabah Forestry Department, while ISME was represented by its Executive Director, Prof. Shigeyuki Baba.
The MoU signing was observed by: YBhg. Datuk Thomas Logijin, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, and Head of Delegation for Sabah YBhg. Datuk Josie Lai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Mr. Hiroshi Sakiyama, Senior Managing Director, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. Dr. Joseph Tangah, representing the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research & Development),
