Teck Guan Wildlife Corridor

Tawau, 22 April 2024- A momentous occasion unfolded in Tawau, Sabah, as over 500 individuals congregated to celebrate the inauguration of the Teck Guan Wildlife Corridor. A diverse array of attendees, including government officials, law enforcement representatives, schoolchildren, NGOs, local figures, plantation owners, and even visitors from the United States, united in their commitment to supporting Sabah's wildlife, particularly in the Tawau region.

The initiative, led by 1StopBorneo Wildlife in collaboration with Teck Guan Plantations, focused on planting figs and flowers to benefit local wildlife. Figs, with over 160 species found on Borneo, play a crucial role in supporting various animals such as bats, hornbills, deer, flowerpeckers, bears, and butterflies.

The idea for the corridor emerged from discussions between Avito Hong, Executive Director at Teck Guan Group, and Shavez Cheema, with a shared emphasis on conservation and launching new initiatives in Tawau. During the event, Avito Hong underscored the significance of small-scale conservation efforts, illustrating how even modest forest pockets can evolve into thriving ecosystems over time. The transformed corridor, once barren land, now serves as a vital lifeline for endemic species, providing a safe passage through formerly impenetrable palm oil plantations.

Shavez Cheema emphasized the collective responsibility to aid Tawau's wildlife, citing 1StopBorneo Wildlife's extensive research and successful reforestation methods, particularly the planting of marcotted figs. Chun Xing Wong, President of 1StopBorneo Wildlife, highlighted the importance of figs in supporting biodiversity while educating the public on Sabah's rich natural heritage and ongoing conservation efforts.

The event's organization was led by Shafiqah Farhana, Head of Reforestation at 1StopBorneo Wildlife, and Joel Lee of Teck Guan. Additionally, Teck Guan Plantation generously donated Belian wood Hornbill boxes to various destinations, including Pulau Tiga and Deramakot, crucial habitats for hornbills.

Captain 'Scratchman John,' Music Ambassador for Wildlife Conservation, provided musical entertainment, while educational segments on pangolins and Borneo elephants were showcased. Over 500 trees have already been planted in the corridor, with plans for thousands more.

Contributions from organizations like the Lion Clubs of Tawau, One Tree Planted, Quentin Phillipps, and the Hornbill Awards have supported reforestation efforts in Deramakot and Tawau in 2024. The event culminated in the signing of a Letter of Intent, followed by visits to the planting site and the soon-to-be-opened waterfall café in Cocoa Village, renowned for its pristine rainforest and basaltic rock formations. The presence of Datuk Hong Kim Fah and Datuk Hong Ngit Ming of the Teck Guan Group added further significance to the occasion.