Tongod, Sabah \u2013 19 September 2025<\/b> \u2013 This year, World Elephant Day is
\ncelebrated in Tongod District, spearheaded by Tongod District Office, Sabah
\nWildlife Department, Earthworm Foundation, and partner agencies. More than 500
\nparticipants, including local communities, students, government agencies, and
\nNon-Government Organisations (NGOs), gathered to highlight the importance of
\nhuman elephant coexistence, a growing priority in ensuring the well-being of
\nboth local communities and Bornean elephants.<\/p>\n
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Building on previous years\u2019 momentum in Beluran District<\/a>, this year\u2019s commemoration in Tongod Students took part in poster and colouring contests, Together, these efforts highlight the importance of Building on this call for conservation urgency, Datuk This call for unity was echoed by Sabah Wildlife For Earthworm Foundation, the event is not just about By bringing
\nmarks a natural step in expanding the movement for coexistence, engaging more
\ncommunities and strengthening collaboration across Sabah. In areas where
\nelephants and people share the same landscapes, encounters can sometimes put
\nboth communities and livelihoods at risk. To address this, the event
\nhighlighted community-led solutions through cultural performances, conservation
\nawareness activities by the Wildlife Junior Rangers, and a forum on \u201cElephants
\nand Community: The Role of Community Patrol Groups in Elephant Coexistence,\u201d
\nmoderated by Earthworm and joined by the Community Elephant Ranger Team (CERT),
\nAki Keramuak Ranger Team, and 7Team.<\/p>\n
\nwhile local community initiatives were also recognised, including the adoption
\nof the 3P (Pemantauan, Pengawalan dan Pengiringan<\/i>) or Monitoring, \u00a0Management, and Escort Standard Operational
\nProcedure, a practical guideline developed jointly by Earthworm Foundation,
\nSeratu Aatai, and Sabah Wildlife Department to guide community rangers during
\nelephant encounters.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nequipping communities to serve as the first line of stewardship in areas where
\nhuman\u2013elephant interactions occur. Tongod District Officer, Yuesri Ismail Yusof, stressed
\nthe urgency of conservation by drawing lessons from Sabah\u2019s past, \u201cThe Bornean
\nelephant is an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. We must not allow it
\nto follow the fate of the Sumatran rhinoceros, which has recently gone extinct
\nin Sabah. Protecting elephants today means safeguarding our biodiversity,
\nculture, and the well-being of future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMasiung Banah, Chairman of the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board and
\nState Assemblyman for Kuamut, emphasised the importance of shared
\nresponsibility, \u201cElephants are a part of Sabah\u2019s heritage and natural identity.
\nMost smallholders, who primarily farm palm, have had their farms safeguarded
\nfrom elephant interactions, helping to ensure their livelihoods remain secure.
\nProtecting elephants while safeguarding our communities is a challenge we must
\nface together. Initiatives like today\u2019s celebration in Tongod show that when
\ngovernment, NGOs, and communities unite, we can find solutions that benefit
\nboth people and wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDepartment, who highlighted that coexistence depends on strong partnerships
\nwith local people. \u201cSabah Wildlife Department has long recognised that the key
\nto addressing human\u2013elephant interactions lies in community involvement,\u201d said
\nDirector Mohd Soffian Bin Abu Bakar. \u201cBy providing training, recognition, and
\nplatforms such as this commemoration, we empower local people to take active
\nroles in conservation. This event reflects the growing commitment to a more
\ninclusive and collaborative approach.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nawareness or yearly ceremonial activities, but about building a stronger
\nfoundation for community-led conservation as part of the broader Sabah landscape initiative<\/a>. Community-led patrollers are effective
\nas first responders in reducing risks for both people and elephants. \u201cWe are
\nproud that Tongod is starting this initiative, and with the support of
\ngovernment agencies, local leaders, and civil society, we hope to replicate
\nthis approach across Sabah,\u201d said Kiah Hui Ooi, Country Representative of
\nEarthworm Foundation Malaysia. \u201cEmpowering communities is key to ensuring
\nlong-term coexistence between people and elephants. I call on all stakeholders
\nto join us in realising human\u2013elephant coexistence across the landscape.\u201d<\/p>\n
\ntogether diverse stakeholders, the initiative continues to grow as a collective
\neffort to protect the Bornean elephant while promoting sustainable development
\nfor local people.<\/p>\n