Future of Likas Wetlands, one of world’s only two city mangrove Ramsar sites, hangs in balance with mega project next door

Kota Kinabalu, August 17 — The Likas Wetlands, a globally recognized Ramsar site and one of only two city mangrove mangroves in the world, may disappear within 15 years if not protected from pollution caused by a nearby mega project, according to the Sabah Wetland Conservation Society. Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, the society's president, warned that polluted water from the nearby development could harm the 24-hectare site's vegetation.

At the World Mangrove Day celebration, Zainie cited a consultant's report, urging the authorities to take action and avoiding a similar legal battle they faced in 2015 when their approval of a 31-storey condominium outside the wetlands was overturned by the High Court. The society remains committed to preserving the mangroves and defending the site's Ramsar status, which is equivalent to a World Heritage site.

They have been in contact with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Protection, as well as the Environmental Protection Department, Wildlife Department, and DBKK. The mayor, Dato' Sri Dr Hj Subdin Samitah, emphasized that the mangroves are crucial to the city's coastal environment, and their protection requires a collaborative effort from various organizations.