Borneo’s rainforests are a treasure trove of life. From towering trees sheltering the arboreal orangutans, moving between branches among the loud calls of seed-dispersing hornbills, and the gentle giants of elephants and banteng browse and feed on the grass on the ground, this island ecosystem is unlike any other. But sadly, many of these amazing creatures face increased threats like habitat loss, poaching, and the spread of diseases.
Central Sabah, with its vast tracts of remaining forest, is a crucial global stronghold for the long-term survival of these species. This includes the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project (KRCP) area, also known as the Northern Kuamut Forest Reserve, and neighboring conservation areas like Danum Valley, Imbak Canyon, and Maliau Basin.
To effectively safeguard this critical area and its diverse flora and fauna, KRCP is empowering the rangers and the field monitoring team with cutting-edge technology: the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART). SMART is a global platform that allows rangers and field team to systematically record, analyze, and report on everything they see during monitoring and patrols, from animal sightings to potential threats. More info about SMART can be found at https://smartconservationtools.org/en-us/.
Empowering the Field Team
At the end of August 2024, KRCP, hosted by Yayasan Sabah’s Rakyat Berjaya Sdn Bhd (RBJ) in collaboration with Permian Malaysia and trainers from WWF Malaysia Sabah, conducted a five-day SMART training for field team and rangers from various agencies protecting the KRCP area and its surroundings. These included rangers from RBJ, the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), and the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD). Non-ranger participants include the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) and Permian field biodiversity monitoring team who have been conducting systematic biodiversity monitoring.
The training focused on three key objectives:1) Building Conservation Champions: KRCP emphasized the vital role monitoring and protection play in safeguarding Borneo’s biodiversity; 2) Mastering Spatial Data: Field team and rangers learned to gather and analyze spatial data on forests, wildlife, and potential threats. 3) Mobile SMART Patrol App: Participants received hands-on training using the Mobile SMART Patrol app, allowing them to collect data, photos, and even sounds directly on their smartphones, and uploading the data to a centralized database.
Putting Knowledge into Action
The training included practical field exercises. Divided into teams, rangers practiced using the new app during vehicle patrols and treks along forest trails. They learned to document their observations effectively, capturing essential details like coordinates and visual evidence.
The training fostered a collaborative spirit among the trainers, field teams, and rangers from different organizations. They shared best practices and developed a customized SMART data model specifically for the KRCP area and surrounding forests. This ensures the data collected is relevant and helps us track key conservation indicators.
A Journey of Continuous Learning
The training concluded with a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the SMART system implementation over the coming months. The field team and rangers will test the app during regular monitoring and patrols and gather feedback. This ongoing evaluation will allow us to refine the data model and ensure the system serves its purpose optimally.
After completing the course, participants received certificates in recognition of their achievements. The training concluded with a social outing, where participants and trainers came together to celebrate their accomplishments and enjoy the very nature they are working hard to protect.
Through the SMART training program, KRCP is empowering rangers and the field team with the tools and knowledge they need to become even more effective guardians of Borneo’s irreplaceable rainforests and its magnificent wildlife.
Story prepared by Dr. Sunarto, KRCP Team (sunarto@permianglobal.com)
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