Urgent: Security Situation in Sabah (updated April 14, 2013)
As you may have heard via news reports, approximately two months ago an armed group originating from the Southern Philippines occupied a small village (Kampung Tanduo) approximately 140km north of Lahad Datu on the east coast of Sabah. The Malaysian Government launched military action in mid-March to re-take Kampung Tanduo, and address related instances of violence in Semporna and disturbances reported in Kunak and other coastal settlements. These operations appear to have been largely successful, and the situation has moderated over recent weeks.
Given this, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has now modified and relaxed its travel advice –Please see FCO’s website.
This means that Danum Valley and the main SAFE Project sites are now accessible – but only via Tawau (and/or KK in the case of SAFE). Lahad Datu remains within the zone where the FCO is advising against non-essential travel.
For further information please call or email Glen Reynolds – +60 17 816 7177 or glen@searrp.org
South East Asis Rainforest Research Programme
The Royal Society is South East Asia Rainforest Research Programme (SEARRP) was established in 1985 in response to mounting concern over the future of SE Asia rainforests and through a conviction that by gaining a scientific understanding of tropical rainforest systems, ecology and dynamics a significant contribution could be made to their sustainable management and conservation particularly in the context of global efforts are primarily focussed on Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
MISSION
To enable excellence in collaborative research and training that makes a major contribution to the understanding of rainforests, their conservation and restoration and underpins the sustainable use of natural resources
GOALS
- To facilitate world-class, long-term, collaborative research in the rainforests and other natural and modified habitats of Sabah
- To encourage multi-site, multi disciplinary research particularly that which adds value to the major projects under SEARRP management (Sabah Biodiversity Experiment, SAFE Project, CTFS 50 ha plot)
- To maintain and enhance the position of the Danum Valley Field Centre as one of the world’s leading tropical forest research stations
- To ensure, through strategic partnerships, that research findings are effectively disseminated and influence land-use and conservation planning and sustainable resource management across the SE Asia region
- To provide opportunities for Malaysia and SE Asian research students and scientists
- To facilitate and provide a base for university and other graduate-level training courses
- To continue to build a team of highly trained, skilled and motivated local research
