From October 14-16, 2024, Pongo Ranger Community had the opportunity to attend and share best practices at the 4th Malaysian Environmental Education Conference in Sandakan, Sabah. Shafa Fakhira, Communications Manager, presented on the organization’s recent conservation-focused educational programs, including Pongo Academy, Pongo Ranger Goes to School, Pongo-dopsi, and social media outreach initiatives—all designed to raise awareness and engage youth and the general public.
Organized by the Sabah Forestry Department in partnership with the Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN) and WWF Malaysia, the event brought together around 160 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, NGOs, private companies, universities, and schools. The conference fostered collaborative dialogue and connections among environmental stakeholders.
As a young organization committed to educating the next generation on conservation, Pongo Ranger found the conference to be an ideal platform for sharing experiences and learning from like-minded organizations.
This conference was essential as it facilitated partnerships and knowledge-sharing among groups focused on environmental education. In her presentation, Shafa highlighted Pongo Ranger’s creative and accessible approaches to conservation education. Initiatives like Pongo Ranger Goes to School have helped build awareness from a young age through school clubs, while Pongo-dopsi has provided an innovative way for the community to contribute directly to coastal conservation efforts and support the local economy.
The conference featured 21 oral presentations from expert speakers across Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Japan. Dr. Noor Azlin, President of the Malaysian Parks, Amenity, and Recreation Management Society (MyParks), delivered an inspiring keynote that set the tone for discussions on enhancing environmental education across borders. Following the keynote, the conference kicked off with a welcoming dinner sponsored by the Sabah Wildlife Department, where participants enjoyed performances by Sekolah Seni Malaysia Sabah, the Foress Band, and others.
The event’s schedule was packed with presentations, workshops, field trips, and a diverse exhibition showcasing innovative environmental projects. Nine exhibitors highlighted projects from the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), Environment Protection Department (EPD), World Wide Fund Malaysia (WWF), Department of Environment (DOE), Wildlife Junior Ranger (WJR), OrangJUGA, Green Buddy, Sabah Parks, and Coway.
The exhibition provided participants with firsthand insights into various approaches used by organizations to promote environmental education and biodiversity. A particularly memorable experience for Pongo Ranger was a field trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where representatives observed the rehabilitation process for orangutans up close. Witnessing the orangutans in a safe environment dedicated to their recovery was a poignant reminder of the ongoing work needed to protect these endangered species.
Reflecting on the event, Shafa shared that Pongo Ranger’s presence at the conference allowed them to expand their network and gain insight into successful conservation education models from around the region. This experience reaffirmed Pongo Ranger’s commitment to building partnerships and advancing its educational outreach on a larger scale. By connecting with experts and advocates across Southeast Asia, Pongo Ranger hopes to amplify its conservation efforts and inspire more organizations and individuals to take action for the environment.
The conference marked an exciting chapter for the Pongo Ranger Community, highlighting the incredible impact of collaboration in conservation. The connections we’ve made and lessons we’ve learned will be invaluable as we continue our mission to educate and empower the future leaders of environmental stewardship.