Hidden life, heritage discovered at Silam Coast Conservation Area

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 9): The Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA) in Lahad Datu has long been known for its sweeping mangrove forests and quiet stretches of coastline, but a recent scientific expedition has revealed just how much life — and heritage — lies hidden within it.

Over several days, 107 participants fanned across the landscape, navigating mud pools, dense foliage and tidal waterways armed with GPS units, camera traps, quadrats and notebooks.

The nine-day expedition, held from November 16 to 24, was organised by Yayasan Sabah in collaboration with several agencies, including the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, University College Sabah Foundation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and Universiti Teknologi Mara, as well as WWF-Malaysia, Sabah Environmental Trust, ESSCOM, the Lahad Datu District Office and Sabah State Health Department.

Their methods were as diverse as the terrain — field surveys in thick mangrove stands, sampling of flora, fauna and water, quiet dawn observations, interviews with coastal communities, and slow, deliberate walkthroughs of seldom-visited sites.

What they found was a place brimming with potential.

Forty-one wildlife species were recorded, but more striking was the discovery of 35 locations that could one day draw nature enthusiasts.

These include viewpoints perched above the canopy, ancient trees, secluded water bodies, bubbling mud pools and natural corners ideal for wildlife watching.

Yet SCCA’s story is not only ecological — it is cultural too.

Traditional bagang fishing platforms still stand as reminders of coastal livelihoods, while Kennedy Bay — once known as Silam Harbour — whispers of the area’s logging past, echoed in the mysterious “underwater great wall” and even a sunken shipwreck offshore.

Together, these findings paint a portrait of a coastal landscape rich in biodiversity and memory — a place whose ecotourism potential could help more people understand why healthy mangrove ecosystems matter now more than ever.

Dr Waidi Sinun, Group Manager of Yayasan Sabah’s Conservation Environmental Management Division (CEMD), said the main objective of the expedition was to obtain detailed information for the formulation of the SCCA Management Plan.

SCCA is managed by Yayasan Sabah Group under its Conservation, Environmental Management Division.

“The field survey was important to explore and document the biodiversity and natural resources within the extension area of SCCA.

“It was also to gather scientific data on the diversity of flora (botany) and fauna, geology and geography, water quality, hydrology, and other relevant aspects,” he said, adding that it was also aimed at exploring Silam’s potential as an eco-tourism destination.

He said initial findings indicate that Silam and its surrounding areas possess rich biodiversity, valuable natural resources and strong potential for both scientific research and eco-tourism development.

“There is a necessity for follow-up studies in order to further refine conservation and management of SCCA,” he said.

Senior university lecturers/researchers who participated in the expedition are Prof Junaenah Sulehan, Prof Madya Dr Homethevi Rahman, Prof Madya Dr Noor Haliza Hassan @ Ahmad, Prof Madya Dr Andy Mojiol, Dr Elia Godoong, Dr Mahadimenakbar Dawood, Dr Robin Lim Ah Hee, Dr Anand Nainar,  Dr Siti Sarayati and Dr Spencer Mogindol.

On 22 August 2024, Yayasan Sabah Group signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Preferred by Nature (PBN) to restore the degraded ecosystem of SCCA, which had been damaged after nearly eight years of logging.

The restoration project may also enhance SCCA’s profile as a premier destination for marine research and coastal ecotourism in Sabah’s east coast.

The area, classified as totally protected, covers approximately 2,770 hectares, including the Tumunung Hallu and Bangkuruan mangrove forest reserves, as well as the nearby Tabun and Saranga islands.

Prior to the signing of the MOA, Yayasan Sabah invited about 20 community leaders from the surrounding area to attend a one-day workshop aimed at equipping them with valuable skills in sustainable land management.