"As stewards of Sabah's natural heritage, our focus remains on applying what we have learned to expand forest conservation across Sabah, safeguarding biodiversity, and enhancing the ecological services that benefit all of Sabah."

Building on over a decade of efforts, YSD's support was instrumental in the reclassification of the Northern Ulu Segama Forest Reserve as a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve in 2012.

This was a milestone achieved in coordination with the forestry department, permanently safeguarding the area from logging and ensuring a fully protected habitat for orangutans.

The success has meant thousands of trees planted and 5,400 hectares rehabilitated, part of a broader initiative targeting 11,612 hectares of degraded forest to help provide a major sanctuary for nearly 400 orangutans.

The Human-Orangutan Coexistence Project supported by YSD is under the leadership of Felicity Oram, who brings a wealth of experience in orangutan conservation.

The project also emphasizes the capacity building of local researchers, offering scholarships, comprehensive training and exposure to ensure sustainable orangutan conservation practices.

The second phase of the project will extend scientific monitoring of orangutans across an additional 10,000 hectares while maintaining the existing monitoring network of 30,000 hectares established in the first phase.

YSD's chief executive officer, Yatela Zainal Abidin, said it was heartwarming to see orangutan nests in the thriving trees they planted together in Bukit Piton.

At the same time, she added that best management practices were adopted in plantation estates, fostering harmony with orangutans.

"I am proud of the orangutan conservation strides we have made since 2010 with various stakeholders in Sabah … Our efforts have rehabilitated highly degraded natural habitats, and we are now focusing on human orangutan coexistence management," she said.

The Star