By Cynthia | Education and Public Awareness Officer
Our Programme Manager in Semporna, Adzmin Fatta works with 4 local communities in Semporna. He has been part of our core team that has helped established our Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) in the area and also helped trained the local members with relevant skills that would help them conduct marine conservation activities. Read his reflections on working with them below:
"Working with local communities is never easy; if anything, it feels like a rollercoaster. You begin the journey full of excitement, then face moments that are nerve-wrecking and challenging along the way. But at the end of the day, it is always worth remembering, celebrating, and being proud of.
Our work with the Community Marine Conservation Groups (CMCGs) in Semporna has now expanded to four islands, and we will soon be supporting two more. As the network continues to grow, the increasing interest from local communities is a strong reminder that this work truly matters.
One speech by a CMCG member deeply resonated with me. It clearly reminded me why I continue doing what I do; empowering young leaders within our communities to be the leaders in marine conservation. Many of our young IPLCs (Indigenous People and Local Communities) are underserved and underprivileged, and without the right opportunities and support, they may never have the chance to lead meaningful change on their own islands.
I am very hopeful that they will continue to use this platform to empower themselves, becoming leaders and community enablers in their respective areas. I have witnessed incredible growth among them, and above all, a strong sense of ownership over their issues and natural resources.
...I am truly proud of how far they have come, and I am excited for the successes they will continue to achieve together, for themselves and for their communities."
A Pemimpin IKLIM Mabul (one of our CMCGs) from Mabul Island, Ilham, shares his take on his journey:
"I felt like I was not qualified to be around educated people - because we grew up in a modest environment. That is what I am most grateful for, to have been able to reach this point (with CMCG)."
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