Feature Destination

Sabah’s unique wildlife gets unique care

By Scuba Junkie Conservation Manager, Cat McCann

Sabah Wildlife Department and Honorary Wildlife Wardens

The state of Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo – known as ‘the land below the wind’ – is famed the world over for its spectacular wildlife, rare species and incredible biodiversity – both on land and in the water.

People flock to Sabah in the hope of seeing rare animals – including many species that are sadly on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Visitors to the rainforests may be lucky enough to see species of orang-utans (critically endangered), pygmy elephants (endangered), pangolins (critically endangered) and proboscis monkeys (endangered). In the seas surrounding Sabah, divers and snorkellers alike are lucky to see species of turtles such as green turtles (endangered) and hawksbill turtles (critically endangered), as well as endangered species of sharks such as scalloped hammerheads (endangered), as well as whale sharks (endangered).

Such incredibly rare wildlife deserves incredible care – and many of the above species fall under the remit of the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), who work tirelessly for the protection of Sabah’s iconic species.

Sabah Wildlife Department is a local wildlife authority under Sabah’s state Ministry for Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology – and enforces the “Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997” for the proper regulation, use, protection, conservation and management of wildlife, caves and wildlife areas in Sabah.

The SWD works in many different ways to protect the wildlife – including through their dedicated veterinary group, the Wildlife Rescue Unit. However, recognizing that threats to wildlife and protected areas are constant, the Sabah State Government included the provision of appointing Honorary Wildlife Wardens under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997 – which allows the SWD to train and appoint Honorary Wildlife Wardens (HWWs).

Honorary Wildlife Wardens are members of the local community who have an interest in conservation and are gazetted by the SWD to help enforce protection of protected species in Sabah. In the fight against wildlife crime, HWWs work closely with the SWD by alerting the authorities of any suspicious activities and actions that may threaten the survival of Sabah’s protected wildlife, as well as voluntarily assisting projects that promote the conservation of these species.

HWW act as Wildlife Department’s ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground – helping to strengthen enforcement and prevent acts that would be detrimental to protected species. These posts are voluntary, and HWWs do what they do for their love of wildlife in Sabah.

Scuba Junkie and Honorary Wildlife Wardens

Scuba Junkie is an award-winning dive operator with bases in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo and in Komodo, Nusa Penida and Derawan in Indonesia. Scuba Junkie SEAS is the dedicated conservation arm of Scuba Junkie, with six main conservation programmes – turtle conservation; coral conservation; shark conservation; tackling marine debris; supporter engagement and eco-friendly resort.

There are four HWWs at Scuba Junkie SEAS’ base on Pulau Mabul, in the Semporna region – Dionne, Kai, Azlan and David. Turtles are protected by law in Sabah – no one is allowed to touch, interfere or harass turtles, or interrupt their nesting process under penalty of a fine and imprisonment.

As the Semporna area is a hotspot for turtles and the islands in the area known for nesting turtles, the HWWs main roles fall to not only enforcing the law and acting as SWD’s ‘eyes and ears’, but also assisting turtle conservation efforts through practical means such as helping to run the Mabul Turtle Hatchery and the Mabul Rehabilitation Unit.

Although the HWWs work full time for the dive operator Scuba Junkie, they give up their free time and nights to be on call for nesting turtles and turtle hatchlings, as well as helping to care for sick turtles. Scuba Junkie’s HWWs also assist the Conservation Managers in running programmes during the day – for example, schools outreach programmes – when their diving schedule allows.

Each of the HWWs loves their role, although they admit it is not an easy task. During turtle nesting season, an HWW can get a call to a nesting at any time – usually just after midnight, and not finishing for up to four hours afterwards.

When a nesting turtle is discovered, the community contacts the on duty HWW, who ensures the nesting process is well managed so as not to disturb or stress the female. Once the nesting process is finished and the female has returned to the ocean, the HWWs carefully excavate the nest and relocate them to the Mabul Turtle Hatchery. At the hatchery, they recreate as natural a nest as possible — at the same depth beneath the surface and sheltered from or exposed to direct sunlight. The whole process can often last over four hours…not an easy task.

The HWWs help to protect the nest while it incubates, and release the hatchlings when the nest hatches roughly two months later. As of mid-2018, more than 9,500 baby sea turtles (both green and hawksbill) have been successfully released on the beach in front of Scuba Junkie’s Mabul Beach Resort. It can be very busy during turtle nesting season, often with turtle nestings and hatchlings release on the same night.

Despite the challenges, all of the HWWs relish their role and the opportunities it affords them.

“It is probably the most difficult part for me – to be wakened up in the middle of the night to relocate turtle nest. But I know that it’s worth it in the end, and it is important for the numbers of turtles in this area” said Mohd Khairuddin Bin Riman (Kai), “I love releasing the newly hatched turtles. I can feel their movement when they are struggling to get out, to move out into the water. Seeing them work hard to get there, seeing them get into the water against all odds, makes me realize nothing is impossible. I know the hatchlings start a completely new journey when out in the water- but at least I have helped as many as possible get there.”

Kai continued “The role of HWW is very important for me, because I am able to protect the wildlife and environment – it is important to keep the ecological balance on this Earth, we are all part of the great circle of life. It is also important show and educate other people about the dependency of everybody and everything to each other.”

“I didn’t actually have the intention of becoming a HWW in the first place. I was just presented with this incredible opportunity by Scuba Junkie and the Sabah Wildlife Department to make things better for others and for the environment – and for personal growth – changing how I could make myself as a good person as possible for others.”

“I have so many good memories of my work as HWW – releasing hatchlings, releasing rehabilitated turtles back into the wild – but my one stand out memory is the day Scuba Junkie SEAS signed our MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Sabah Wildlife Department for the Mabul Turtle Hatchery. David McCann (the Conservation Manager for Scuba Junkie SEAS) and myself were so happy that day.”

The rehabilitation centre is also a keen focal point for the HWWs – caring for sick and injured turtles under the guidance of the Sabah Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Rescue Unit.

Dionne Sherry Guerzo agreed: “It was great to get official recognition for the Hatchery, but my happiest moment was when we released Donatello, one of the rehabilitated turtles. This was the first sick turtle I was involved with, and to see him grow in strength every day made me realize how important every individual is. The vets of the WRU work so hard to save every individual – it’s an emotional rollercoaster, willing the turtle to get better. Yet they do it every day for every animal in their care.”

“I was very grateful to be able to contribute and give back to those who brings me joy – I see healthy turtles underwater every day. People come from all over the world to see the turtles here. And I’m fortunate enough to be tasked with protecting them. I see it as my duty to protect those that I love or care for – and being an HWW is a perfect way for me to be able to give back to the environment.”

Dionne continued: “My worst memory is seeing some turtles that had been poached a few years ago – I felt so helpless, I was devastated. But my role is to help the SWD stop things like this happening – to protect the voiceless. It gives me a purpose and a focus. If we don’t protect our wildlife, who will – what will the future be like?”

Azlan Bin Mohd Yusof has a very definitive vision for the role – and what it means for not only him but for others who want to get involved in conservation. He explains, “Being an HWW lets us protect the wildlife, it gives us knowledge and power to effect change in our home areas. I wanted to become a HWW as I had a passion for conservation and I wanted to be a role model in my community, to show that it is possible to get involved in conservation if the passion and will is there. I wanted to raise awareness and make a difference – and the role of HWW lets me do all this and more.”

“I have learnt so much about so many other species of animal, and how important they to our ecosystem. I also learnt a lot about how populations of endangered species are declining. We need to do more to protect them – as we rely on these ecosystems too.”

“I remember the first time I saw a dead turtle – it had eaten plastic. I was heartbroken – to think that something so simply fixed had caused an animal’s death. When I see plastic on beaches and underwater and I know this could happen again – this drives me to help out and do beach and reef cleans as often as possible. The less plastic in the ocean, the better – and people come and help when they see the effort others are making to keep our oceans cleaner.”

Azlan continued: “There are tough moments – but equally there are some pretty fantastic moments. I remember my first nest relocation – the first time I held a turtle egg in my hand. So precious! And then – two months later, I was holding a hatchling from that same nest in my hand…I cannot describe the feeling, being part of something like this. I have been given a unique opportunity, by the Sabah Wildlife Department and I am honoured to be doing what I do.”

The fourth HWW, David McCann, is the Conservation Manager for Scuba Junkie SEAS. “The amazing thing about being an HWW is that it enables people from all walks of life in Sabah to become active in conservation efforts. You protect what you love. Which is why a huge part of SJ SEAS work is outreach programmes with our HWWs. We want to engage and tell people about the incredible biodiversity around them, to show them how amazing their local environment is. And hopefully through this, encourage more people to become more active in conservation – maybe following the lead of our HWWs.”

“Our HWWs are amazing role models, they work incredibly hard – with fantastic results. To think that they are only a small part of the HWW programme – with more HWWs in the forest, in the mountain areas, protecting animals all over Sabah. And then the HWW programme is only one part of the work that the Sabah Wildlife Department do. It shows how seriously and thoroughly they take their responsiblity in protecting the wildlife of Sabah. It’s a unique and fitting way of protecting the unique wildlife found in Sabah. We would like to thank the Sabah Wildlife Department for being able to be a small part of this.”

Scuba Junkie Conservation Manager, Cat McCann.

Scuba Junkie was set up by divers who had and still have, a love and dedication to the marine and terrestrial environment and through the years have tried to set up and run many projects and build an Eco-friendly resort containing green waste systems, solar energy, the use of only biodegradable cleaning products and plastics and sticking to proper and responsible dive practices etc, so that this beautiful area can be preserved for future generations and that the people of Sabah can thrive from the increased economy brought about by sensible, sustainable Eco-tourism.

Help us break-even with our minimal operating costs to make sure this resource does not go away. Join fellow readers in supporting our work through 2018.

or support us on patreon.com

The mission of SEVENSEAS Media is to connect individuals and resources inside and outside of the conservation community to further the shared goal of preventing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Since our creation, we’ve been achieving this mission through:

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci

Related Topics:borneo malaysia scuba junkie

Up Next

A decade later, realizing the new normal in Borneo

Don't Miss

Ecotourism in Raja Ampat—Defender or Destroyer of the World’s Richest Reefs?

Feature Destination

Feature Destination: A Conservationist’s Reflection on Family, Biodiversity, and Restoration in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the few countries I’ve returned to repeatedly over the last twenty or so years. Each visit has reinforced why this small Central American nation continues to hold a special place in my heart. As a conservationist, I’ve long admired its bold environmental policies, its ability to restore vast areas of degraded land, and the extraordinary biodiversity that thrives here. But what draws me back just as strongly is the feeling that Costa Rica gives you: the quiet assurance that another world is possible, one where people and nature can coexist with purpose and respect.

I had the chance to experience Costa Rica in a new way, traveling with three generations of my family. My husband, my sister and her family, and our aging parents all came together for what we knew would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. My sister chose Costa Rica not only because of its beauty, but also because it felt manageable for a multigenerational vacation. It’s safe, accessible, and well set up for travelers of all ages. We also understood it would be expensive, but for the chance to travel together as a full family, the investment was worth it.

coconut tree on beach shore during daytime

We started our journey in San José, where my husband and I stayed in a homestay with a Costa Rican grandmother. She greeted us with warmth, fed us incredible meals, and gave us our first taste, quite literally, of the hospitality this country is known for. From there, we headed to Quepos on the Pacific coast, where my sister had rented an Airbnb home. It was the perfect setup with a space for all of us to gather, cook, relax, and look out over a small deck that faced what appeared to be pure jungle. The view was mesmerizing. We later learned that only a few decades ago, the entire landscape had been logged and used for farmland or extraction. But thanks to Costa Rica’s climate and commitment to restoration, nature had returned with full force. You’d never know it had once been stripped bare.

Every morning, we gathered on that deck before sunrise with coffee in hand to watch the forest awaken. Birds darted through the trees: tanagers, flycatchers, motmots, flickering colors between the leaves. For a family of nature lovers, those quiet hours became some of the most meaningful and memorable moments of the entire trip.

Quepos gave us easy access to both the coast and the rainforest. We hiked in the nearby parks, explored waterfalls, we stumbled on eco-tours of chocolate-making, coffee farming, and sustainable agriculture. The excursions were varied and accessible. Canopy walks, guided nature trails, and small boat rides. Costa Rica’s dynamic geography from the mountains, coasts, volcanoes, and rainforests means you don’t have to travel far to experience completely different ecosystems.

Although my husband and I skipped diving this time to stay together as a family, we did take a longer boat ride to a more remote patch of primary forest. I believe we were on the edge of the Osa Peninsula or near Corcovado National Park, which is known as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. The experience reminded me again how rare it is to be able to witness truly untouched rainforest.

Every meal we ate was exceptional. With such a strong agricultural foundation, the food was consistently fresh, flavorful, and locally grown. Pineapple, avocado, coffee, papaya, rice, and beans, all vibrant and prepared with pride. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable agriculture shows in the taste of what ends up on your plate.

Beyond the beauty and comfort, what continues to impress me most is Costa Rica’s national commitment to conservation. Despite being only about 51,000 square kilometers in size, Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species, about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, thanks to its location at the intersection of North and South America. The diversity includes iconic species like the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), jaguars (Panthera onca), and endangered sea turtles like the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), which nests on the Caribbean coast in places like Tortuguero National Park.

gray wooden bridge in forest during daytime

Costa Rica has not only preserved what it has, it has reversed damage from generations of less sustainable development. In the 1980s, deforestation was rampant, with forest cover reduced to about 21%. But thanks to a range of government policies, including the 1997 launch of the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, forest cover has increased to over 50% as of the 2010s, and as of 2022 forests covered approximately 60.1% of the country’s land area, according to the World Bank. The PES program rewards landowners for keeping forests intact, recognizing the economic value of ecosystem services such as carbon capture, water filtration, and biodiversity protection. Much of this work is administered through MINAE (the Ministry of Environment and Energy), and its subsidiary agencies like SINAC, FONAFIFO, and CONAGEBIO.

gray and brown turtle on gray sand during daytime

The country has also turned its attention toward marine conservation, with over 30% of its territorial waters now designated as marine protected areas (MPAs). These include coral reefs, mangroves, and marine corridors vital for species like sharks, whales, and sea turtles. Organizations like the MarViva Foundation have been instrumental in managing these MPAs, particularly around the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Folks from Costa Rica, also called Ticos, have the reputation of being affectionately warm, proud, and deeply connected to the land. You quickly learn the phrase “Pura Vida” is more than a slogan. It’s a mindset, an expression of gratitude, resilience, and appreciation for life’s simple gifts. It’s said as a greeting, a farewell, a thank-you, and always with a smile.

Traveling here, you’ll find that Costa Rica is not only logistically easy, but emotionally and intellectually enriching. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a multigenerational family like us, there’s something for everyone. The country is incredibly welcoming to people of all backgrounds, and it’s one of the safest places in Central America to visit.

If you’re planning a trip, the best advice is to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want to immerse yourself in the jungle? Lounge on the beach? Explore volcanoes? Stay in a city and do day trips? Or do a bit of everything? There’s no single way to “do” Costa Rica. You can rent a car or rely on shuttle services. Stay in a city hotel, a remote eco-lodge, or a beachside Airbnb. It’s all possible.

Here are a few key regions to consider:

Central Valley (San José and surroundings): Cultural sites, museums, and access to volcanoes and cloud forests.
Pacific Coast (including Quepos and Manuel Antonio): National parks, beaches, and adventure tourism.
Caribbean Coast (like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero): Afro-Caribbean culture, nesting turtles, and rich biodiversity.
Northern Plains (Arenal and La Fortuna): Hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
Southern Zone (Osa Peninsula and Corcovado): Pristine rainforest, rare species, and incredible biodiversity.

VisitCostaRica.com is the official tourism website and a helpful starting point for researching regions, accommodations, and activities.

For us, this trip was a chance to reconnect, not just with each other, but with the natural world. Costa Rica has a way of doing that. When you’re surrounded by howler monkeys at dawn, or listening to rain fall onto leaves the size of couch cushions, or catching a glimpse of a toucan in flight, you remember what it feels like to be part of something ancient and alive.

And in a world where conservation so often feels like a losing battle, Costa Rica shows what can be achieved when a nation decides to prioritize nature, not just in words, but through action.

Feature Destination

Feature Destination: The Most Awe-Inspiring National Parks in Latin America

The national parks in Latin America are breathtaking, with diverse landscapes ranging from towering glaciers in Chile to lush tropical rainforests in Costa Rica and jaguar conservation areas in Belize. These areas of immense natural beauty enable you to immerse yourself into the rich biodiversity and culture this continent has to offer, where you’ll explore the unique ecosystems and learn about the traditions of the indigenous people.

Here is our list for the best national parks in Latin America.

Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Located in the southern reaches of Chile, the Andes are at their most spectacular here, with jagged peaks rising from bright blue fjords and turquoise lakes (photo above)

A true Patagonia adventure awaits in Torres del Paine National Park. The hiking here is legendary, with routes varying from a few hours to a few days’ expedition across the 1,814 square kilometre wilderness. The landscapes are rewarding, with colossal glaciers, snow capped summits and roaring waterfalls juxtaposing the vast open plains.

Go kayaking on glacial lakes that sparkle or ride horses through forests and across pampas plains with the local gauchos, learning about their traditional ways of life in this unforgettable setting.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

Los Glaciares National Park can be found at the heart of Argentine Patagonia. Spanning over 7,000 square kilometres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for the sheer scale of its stunning glacial landscapes and rugged mountains.

The Perito Moreno Glacier dominates the landscape, where deep blues merge with ethereal whites, creating a symphony of hues that sparkle in the sunlight. Watch glacial calving from the boardwalk or boat as chunks of ice break off and thunder into the milky blue waters of Lake Argentino below. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even scale the ice field with crampons, appreciating the ice caves and pools along the way.

Admire with awe as you explore the landscape on foot, or even horseback, on the lookout for guanacos, Andean condors, foxes, and bird species. If you tackle the 22 km trek to Laguna de los Tres, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Fitz Roy.

Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Incredible biodiversity and tropical rainforests make up this natural park, situated on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, which is best known for its entangled ecosystem of winding rivers, canals, lagoons, and beaches.

Navigate Tortuguero by boat or canoe using the extensive network of waterways, where you’ll pass through dense foliage, alive with movement and sound. Monkeys swing overhead, their playful chatter blending with the calls of exotic birds like toucans and parrots. Observe and immerse yourself into the rich tropical haven around you, where three-toed sloths hang lazily from branches and river otters frolic in the water alongside you.

During nesting season, in July and August, hundreds of green sea and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the sand. Watch this process in action and learn more about the conservation efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures.

Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica

On the south side of the Caribbean, this beautiful and ecologically rich national park in Latin America can only be described as paradise.

Follow the well maintained hiking trails through the rainforest on the lookout for monkeys and sloths with scenic coastal views before reaching the soft white sands, fringed with coconut palms. Off-shore, the vibrant coral reefs are teeming with bright tropical fish, rays, nurse sharks, and various types of sea turtles. The warm, clear waters are perfect for experiencing these creatures in their natural habitats through diving or snorkelling.

The culture and traditions in this region are rich, rooted in medicinal plants. Learn more about the indigenous Bribri culture and traditions through a hands-on course in traditional cacao cultivation, following the process from picking the pod to sampling the delicious chocolate it creates.

Iberá National Park, Argentina

Explore the world’s second largest wetland in northeast Argentina, where the tranquil waterways and scenic trails offer a peaceful escape into nature.

Trek among the rich tapestry of lakes, marshes, plains, and forests which are home to capybaras, marsh deer, and howler monkeys, as well as jaguars, tapirs, and giant anteaters which have been gradually reintroduced as part of a rewilding program.

The rewilding of Iberá National Park is a pioneering conservation effort, aiming to restore the native ecosystem by reintroducing keystone species that had vanished from the region. These efforts not only revive biodiversity but also empower local communities through ecotourism and sustainable development.

Canoe or boat down the winding rivers and try spot the 360 different bird species hidden in the foliage of the park. Some of the wildlife is better spotted in the dark, so night game drives are also an option here.

Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

The world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, is home to many endemic species totally unique to the archipelago, including the Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, and several species of Darwin’s finches.

Explore the volcanic islands, with rugged cliffs and lava fields, where the wild beaches stretch for miles. The clear, blue waters are alive with marine life. Encounter colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays, and even hammerhead sharks while snorkelling or diving amongst the coral reefs and underwater caves.

Weave in between the archipelago’s islets onboard your own sailboat, where you can enjoy Relais & Chateaux dining and relaxing on the sundeck, while watching sea lions and fur seals play in the turquoise ocean around you. As the skies begin to darken, gaze upwards for incredible views of the planets and constellations.

Each of the national parks in Latin America tell powerful stories of conservation, culture, and connection. Whether witnessing glacial calving in Patagonia, tracing the paths of rewilded jaguars in Iberá, or learning from indigenous communities in Costa Rica, these are experiences that stay with you.

At Journeys With Purpose, we design transformational travel experiences that deepen your understanding of the world and contribute to its protection. Every journey supports local conservation and community initiatives — with opportunities to engage first-hand along the way. Get in touch to find out more.

Contribute to Positive Impact on a Hosted Journey. Connect with Impact Partners around the world during a Private Experience. Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.

Feature Destination

Feature Destination – Journeys With Purpose: Restoring Island-Ocean Ecosystems in Palau

Visiting Palau has been one of the most remarkable and affirming experiences of my life. Spending hours in the ocean observing turtles, sharks, rays and a host of other marine species, including cuttlefish changing colour and form to their immediate environment, has proven to be one of the greatest joys and wonders in the world.

I grew up watching and entranced by the TV series ‘The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau’. Such was the impression Cousteau’s series made on me, as a very young child my first pet was called ‘Calypso’, after his fabled research vessel. My experiences in Palau brought back these vivid memories directly. With a particular snorkelling experience on this journey, a fellow traveller commented that this must be “the day you fell in love with sharks” – and it truly was.

Throughout the course of the last 12+ months, Journeys With Purpose has worked alongside the world-class organisations of Island Conservation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in association with Re:wild, on a ‘Restoring Island-Ocean Ecosystems’ journey to champion and support the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC).

The IOCC aims to restore at least 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems from ridge to reef by 2030 to benefit people, wildlife and our planet. This goal is delivering tangible action and successes, and signifying more widely the essential connection between island health and ocean health. Holistically restoring islands delivers outsized benefits for wildlife, oceans, people and climate impacts.

Key IOCC messages:

Healthy oceans need healthy islands
- island and marine ecosystem elements cycle into one another, sharing nutrients vital to the plants and animals within them. Invasive species damage these fragile ecosystems and work to remove these in order to restore balance and endemic species such as the Megapode bird is vital.
Everything is connected – Indigenous Peoples and local communities know this
- Indigenous Peoples and local communities have long understood and managed their natural resources in the context of island-to-sea connections. As Wayne Andrew, Micronesia Director of OneReef says “Community is not people alone. Community is a place, the reef. The respect of all that is so important”. This is rooted in their traditional knowledge and wisdom, including ancient oral stories such as the “Megapode Bird and Hawksbill Turtle”. It is essential to support local leadership and communities in the decisions they wish to make to protect these vital ecosystems.
Collaboration is essential
- taking a collective approach to sustainable science and the importance of collaboration with local communities to achieve more holistic results.
Emerging Science and Impact Monitoring
- global scalability of work informed by science. Emerging research shows people, wildlife and marine environments benefit when island-ocean connections are restored.
Islands are on the frontline of environmental crises
- a staggering 41% of critically threatened species are found on islands
- 27% of all languages come from island communities
- surrounding coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine life

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IOCC

We travelled with leadership from Palau’s local communities, Island Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and supporters of these organisations. The collective experience of our time with these communities, and snorkelling and diving, was quite remarkable – a true spirit of togetherness and bonding developed that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. And importantly to take forward into action.

My key takeaways are thus:

People make Places
- this is never more true than in Palau. There are approximately 20,000 local inhabitants on Palau’s islands, and they demonstrate an incredible bond, cohesiveness and strength together. This is brilliantly encapsulated by the local Hatohobei community, who rejected sizeable bribes to thwart a significant illegal fishing operation – “… we’re doing it for our people, for the future generations.”
Impact at Scale
- the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), effective 1 January 2020 with support from the Palauan government and several NGOs, is one of the largest marine protected areas (MPA) in the world. It was the first MPA of its kind, protecting 80% of a country’s national waters in a fully protected no-take zone.
- the PNMS protects a vast array of marine life and unique geological features within its over 475,000 km2, an area larger than Germany, Japan, Iraq, Sweden, etc. Eight hundred marine vertebrate species call the PNMS home, including nearly 30 different marine mammals and 60 shark and ray species, though these numbers are likely underestimated, as the biodiversity of the PNMS remains understudied.
- all achieved with the spirit of just 20,000 Palauans.
Be Brave
- as above, the Palauans have been incredibly brave in their approach with their communities, natural environment and ambition. Very sadly, this is not the norm around the world, but is, however, a lesson for us all – trust our hearts and do the right thing to help deliver today a viable future. We must turn the currency of hope into the currency of action.

I have observed these three takeaways in the great conservation and rewilding endeavours around the world. It can be done. I urge us all, in the strongest possible manner, to support the work of the people of Palau, Island Conservation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography – brilliant people, doing brilliant work, in brilliant places. My eternal gratitude to our partners and supporters on this journey, and in particular to the exceptional dedication, hospitality and warmth of our local Palauan partners at Island Conservation Palau, Ebiil Society, OneReef, Koror State DCLE (Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement), Ngarchelong State Rangers and many others. Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island nation in the Micronesia region of Oceania in the western Pacific, comprising an archipelago of over 350 islands. Little known to many of us, it is one of the most remarkable ecosystems and communities on Earth. Please connect here – connect@journeyswithpurpose.org – to understand how you can contribute, and visit Palau.

GET IN TOUCH TO START YOUR JOURNEY

A tribute to the people of Palau:- in memoriam to Prince LeeBoo of Palau, 1763 to 1784.

With the consent of his father King Ibedul of Koror, Prince LeeBoo departed Palau with Captain Henry Wilson and the crew of the Antelope to London, England on 12 November 1783. Whilst in London, Prince LeeBoo became Palau’s de facto ambassador of goodwill to England, and a scholar. However, LeeBoo’s plan of returning to Palau to spread knowledge and scientific discoveries to his people ended abruptly when the young prince succumbed to smallpox in the winter of 1784. The remains of Prince LeeBoo and his plans lay buried today in the courtyard of St. Mary’s church in Rotherhithe, London, England.

Despite the dilapidation of time, the spirit of Prince LeeBoo continues to live in the hearts of the people of Palau – their immense strength of community, positive impact and fortitude. His story, and purpose in life, remains widely told amongst the people of Palau today.

DISCOVER OUR HOSTED JOURNEYS

This article was retrived from Duncan’s Field Notes.

Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.