About Us
SEMPORNA ISLANDS PROJECT
Our Story
Semporna Islands Project began in 1998 following early scientific work in Semporna. Findings revealed a striking reality: the islands, coral reefs, and their associated habitats were of high conservation value and importance to the well-being of local communities, yet faced grave threats from human activities.
Over the Years
1998-2001
Semporna Islands Project (SIP) produces a Draft Conservation Management Plan for key islands and reefs in Darvel Bay.
2004
Tun Sakaran Marine Park is gazetted – the largest Marine Protected Area in Sabah at that time.
2005-2008
Community Action for Sustainable Use and Conservation of Coral Reefs is implemented in TSMP.
2009-2011
Capacity building to enhance Marine Protected Area effectiveness.
Pilot programme – giant clam spawning and grow-out in ocean cages.
2012-2015
Investigation into Bajau Laut customs, viewpoints and perceptions concerning marine resource use in Semporna.
Friends of Tun Sakaran Marine Park Outreach and Action Programme.
Abalone farming as an alternative livelihood for fishing communities.
Start of reef restoration in fish-bombed areas: SIP Coral Frames Programme.
2015-2018
Research and development – the first acoustic fish bomb detectors.
2018-2019
Conservation Incentives Programme in TSMP – Community Consultation to discuss possible incentives and conservation commitments that will lead to an end in fish bombing.
Fishing Survey – to develop plans that will bring benefits to the MPA fishing community together with direct benefits for environmental protection.
2019-current
Joint efforts to monitor ‘real-time’ fish bombing with Stop Fish Bombing (SFB) Malaysia
Our Mission
As we strive to promote a sustainable future for wildlife and people, we are committed to work that:
Protects, maintains and enhances biodiversity and the health of the environment.
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
Maximises opportunities for economic development and sustainable resource use.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Builds community and public understanding of conservation and its importance.
CONSERVATION AWARENESS
Ensures local people are involved in, and benefit from the park.