Chloe the Assistant finally had a chance to leave her office chair to Kudat

As the saying goes - 'sitting is the new smoking', 64 days of desk work is killing Chloe softly. But God answered Chloe's prayers and granted Chloe an opportunity to visit Kudat for the workshop on Tun Mustapha Park (TMP)'s work plan. Chloe does not care if its necessary, but Chloe insists to restate that TMP is the largest marine park in Malaysia, measuring close to 900,000 hectares and is home to diverse habitats. 
As a follow-up to the gazettement of Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) on the 19th of May 2016, a workshop on TMP’s work plan was conducted at Ria Hotel, Kudat, on the 15th and 16th of November 2017. Hosted by Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia, about 30 participants from both organisations attended the workshop to discuss and brainstorm on a collaborative work plan for TMP.

Speakers of the day - Dr Maklanin, Dr Robecca, Mr Fazrullah, Ms Monique, Ms Joannie, and Ms Lavenita.
(c)WWF-Malaysia/Chloe Lim

When the clock striked 10, Dr Maklanin bin Lakim, the park manager of Sabah Parks, initiated the workshop and held a mandate to speak for the director of Sabah Parks – Dr Jamili Nais, who was absent due to a pre-arranged commitment. Dr Maklarin seemed to be an approachable person and after finding out who he actually is, Chloe would regard him as a wise man who speaks for Nature from Sabah Parks - 

“It is astonishing that the idea of establishing a marine park has finally come true after 13 years. From the perspective of the board of Sabah Parks, this was not an easy task because our strategic plan came to a temporary halt once, when all the resources were forced to switch focus to the Kinabalu earthquake incident mid-2015."

"I would say that the journey was not only challenging, but it was extremely challenging. However, I believe that the collaboration between Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia is a form of greed which is as high as the Kinabalu Mountain, to conquer obstacles for a better TMP.”

Coming up next, the Head of Marine, Dr Robecca Jumin, was then invited to give her speech on behalf of WWF-Malaysia. As usual, Dr Robecca is in her dark brown suit today. She wanted to make long stories short, but every word from her was just on point.

On behalf of WWF-Malaysia, Dr Robecca described the partnership with Sabah Parks as a strategic synergy in achieving the objectives of TMP. This is why Ms Lavernita from WWF-Malaysia was appointed to preside the review session for the managing objectives of TMP. 
Participants discussing during the workshop.
(c)WWF-Malaysia/Chloe Lim
In reference to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia, members from both parties participated in an active discussion of any amendments required to reach a common agreement among all. 

Observing Chloe found out that the major considerations from both parties were mainly the issues regarding financial support, person-in-charge, evaluation and reporting mechanism, and also timeliness for each plan. Chloe wishes them luck.

A group picture of 28 participants, excluding Chloe the Cameraman.
(c)WWF-Malaysia/Chloe Lim
Within two days of the workshop, an action plan was presented by Mr Fazrullah Rizally from Sabah Parks as well as Ms Joannie Jomitol from WWF-Malaysia. In addition, members from both parties were divided into small groups to brainstorm on TMP’s work plan. 


Accordingly, four groups were formed; they include 
(1) Management & Operation / Administration & Logistic / Surveillance & Enforcement, 
(2) Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness, 
(3) Sustainable Financing / Ecotourism Development, and 
(4) Planning, Research & Development. 

During the final day, a recap session was conducted, followed by discussions on the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for TMP’s work plan as well as a committee appointment session for the plan. 

The next committee meeting was scheduled to be in early March 2018.
Chloe wishes them all the best.
Written by Chloe Lim.
Edited by Kimberly Chung.
END





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