There is a long history that led to the inception of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society. In 1996, under the directive of the then Chief Minister of Sabah, Likas Wetlands Sanctuary Managing Committee (LWSMC), an innovative and unique public-private-NGO- community partnership, was established. The principal purpose of LWSMC was to oversee and coordinate development, planning and management of an area that was formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (KKCBS). This committee was made up of 16 component members including government agencies, private organisations, community groups and local NGOs, each separately constituted and registered. Together, they formed a unique collaborative partnership meant to benefit the larger urban and suburban community of Kota Kinabalu.

The formation of Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society was approved by the Registrar of Societies in August 22, 2005. With the formation of the Society, LWSMC was officially dissolved in January 20, 2006 to make way for SWCS to manage KKCBS (now known as Kota Kinabalu Wetlands), and to operate independently as a self-sustainable centre in the future. The 1st SWCS Annual General Meeting was held on March 23, 2006.

This society is managed by a Management Committee and a Board of Trustees as regulated in its constitution. Based in Kota Kinabalu, SWCS is a local NGO which advocates environmental conservation and awareness on wetland ecosystems found in Sabah as well as in other parts in Malaysia and in the world in general.

Our Vision
The vision of SWCS is “conservation and sustainable management of Sabah’s wetlands”.

Our Mission
The mission of SWCS is “to ensure protection and wise use of all wetlands in Sabah, through education, research and advocacy”.

Our Objectives
The core functions of the society are clearly defined within the three objectives of the society, which serves to guide our actions, to achieve the vision of the society. These objectives are
– To promote the conservation of wetlands in Sabah and the variety of plants, birds and other kinds of living organisms found in them.
– To raise public awareness and appreciation of the wetlands and public involvement in protecting wetlands.
– To manage Kota Kinabalu Wetlands as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research.

Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (SWCS)