KOTA KINABALU: In a bid to uncover new insights and find untapped horizons, a two-week survey is underway at the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA) in central Sabah.

Over 150 researchers, government officials and other like-minded advocates will be venturing into the 27,000-hectare fully protected forest reserve until Sept 15, taking notes and compiling their findings to better preserve the highly prized natural bastion.

The survey follows the expiration of the ICCA Strategic Management Plan last year, an undertaking committed by stakeholders under the purview of the nature reserve custodian, Yayasan Sabah, based on findings in a similar survey in 2012.

Yayasan Sabah Director Datuk Seri Gulamhaidar @ Yusof Khan Bahadar, said acquiring the latest data on the site's natural resources and wildlife abundance was crucial for the conservation area, one of five in its radar including the Maliau Basin Conservation Area and Danum Valley Conservation Area.

Imbak Canyon, which is about three times the size of Labuan, is one of Sabah's last substantial unlogged lowland dipterocarp forests, located in the heart of Borneo.

It is also an important water catchment area for Sungai Kinabatangan, the longest river in Sabah.

Imbak Canyon also functions as a wildlife corridor, bridging Danum Valley (43,800 hectares) and Maliau Basin (58,800 hectares).

It is a sanctuary for endangered species such as the Bornean pygmy elephant, Orangutan, and the Clouded leopard.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in forest restoration, acting as a gene bank for regenerating degraded areas.

"This survey is poised to provide crucial, up-to-date insights into the biodiversity of flora, fauna, and animal species within the ICCA and its surrounding areas, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive successor plan that will advance future conservation initiatives," Gulamhaidar said.

The survey's objectives include compiling essential data for the ICCA Strategic Management Plan, documenting wildlife abundance and distribution, and assessing potential threats such as poaching, forest fires, and the impact of surrounding land use.

Beyond conservation, the survey will also explore the area's potential for tourism development prospects and identify research questions for future explorations.

"With over 150 participants, including distinguished researchers, government officials, and support personnel, we aim to examine every facet comprehensively," he added.

Seven campsites have been identified for the survey, and participants have been allocated to ensure comprehensive coverage within a 2km radius of each campsite.

Spearheaded by the Sabah Wildlife Department, the survey organising committee comprises the Yayasan Sabah Group, Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, WWF Malaysia, Sabah Environmental Trust, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Teknologi Mara among others.

"We aim to substantially evaluate the data gathered. This will be achieved through a collaborative approach, ensuring diverse perspectives for the benefit of both environment and people," he said and noted a seminar will be held to showcase the findings.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1100939/researchers-survey-one-sabahs-last-untouched-forests