COMMUNITY-BASED SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

MARAI PARAI SAINTIFIC EXPEDITION 2023

Researchers:

Prof. Dr. Junaenah Sulehan (UCSF)

Dr. Janifal Alipal (IDS Sabah)

En. Jamal Gabir (UCSF)

Background

Marai Parai is an ultramafic highland area (at an altitude of 1,652 m) located on the northwest side of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.

Marai Parai is the name of a grass that resembles paddy (Tetraria pilisepala) and is taken from the Dusun language. In addition to being located in the Kinabalu Park area, the three villages which are Kiau Taburi, Kiau Nuluh and Kiau Bersatu are the closest village areas to Marai Parai.

COMMUNITY-BASED SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES | MARAI PARAI 2023

Objectives

COMMUNITY-BASED SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES MARAI PARAI 2023

01

to identifies what are the initiatives communities take to conserve and sustain local resources and the environment within the Marai Parai area

02

to examine how the communities from different villages can come together to address the environmental challenges

03

to explore what extent, they can promote sustainable practices

METHOD

Qualitative method is used to collect data and obtain community information using an in-depth interview and field notes approach. The qualitative approaches are used to understand and explain the culture, social values and worldview of the community.

RESEARCH LOCATION

Kiau Taburi,

Kiau Nuluh

and Kiau Bersatu

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

The environment and geographical landscapes has a major impact in influencing and shaping their world view and way of life.


Being the custodians of the forests for several generations, the communities' affiliation to the forests, rivers and hills are inevitably, strong.


The forest is their source of food, water, folklores and local history. And the forest also becomes the resources for eco-tourism.

  • Main occupation is subsistence based, meaning for family consumption and some portion of agricultural produces are sold to neighbours, and at the markets in Nabalu and Kundasang
  • Migration among youth is minimal and they are mostly willing inherit their parents' occupation despite their higher education. Majority of them works as a guide (Malim Gunung) and Portal
  • Community of the 3 villages also grow perennial crops, mainly rubber, pineapple, paddy (Sawah and Bukit) coffee and cocoa
  • People are closely knitted in term of kinship, religion and culture
  • Preservation of their customs, values and belief system is obviously strong
  • The community in Kpg Kiau Nuluh and Kiau Bersatu have set up a cultural centre, GOMPITO to safeguard their indigenous culture, tradition and beliefs. Cultural artifacts and their communal history are displayed for tourists at this cultural center
Forward

Way Forward

It is noticeable from this explorative study that there is largely fragmented ideas and initiatives towards sustainable development although the communities are aware of the importance to protect their forest and culture.

Out-reach program and capacity building enhancement for the community members, irrespective of gender and age group, is deem important toward sustainability and inclusivity