MARINE BIODIVERSITY OF SABAH – ENJOY AND RESPECT

UMS

Sabah is a hotspot of marine biodiversity. The South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Sulawesi Sea that wash the shores of Sabah are rich in fringing corals, lagoons, atolls and islands, all serving as a repository of marine heritage of this part of Borneo. It is worth admiring the biodiversity that characterizes all these and other marine critical habitats and using these resources for the pleasure of underwater ecotourism. However, to sustain this marine treasure, the state government has enacted the Biodiversity Act consistent with the letter and spirit of the CBD. This limits the ecotourism to watching and admiring, not extracting. For those intending to visit marine environment are therefore requested to refrain from sampling. Prior approval of national R & D institutions and State government’s Economic Planning Unit is necessary for any activity that involves experiments, sample extraction or by any other means that involve interaction with marine life other than watching. FIELD EXCURSIONS Excursions to the following places have been planned on the 5th day, immediately after the completion of the scientific presentation sessions. Universiti Malaysia Sabah - A campus tour with special educational program at Borneo Marine Research Institute will be arranged by the host institution. This will include visit to Marine Aquarium and Museum, Marine Hatchery and Boat House complex at the Institute's seafront overlooking Sepanggar Bay Marine Parks - A visit to marine protected areas that offer excellent dive and snorkeling sites, and facilities for accommodation and land-based nature tourism. This will be arranged through tour operators if the bookings are sufficient.