Pulestari

Brief History

The Centre was established by the Board of Trustees of the Sabah Parks on the 1st June 2024.
Mooted by the Datuk Hj. Sr Yusrie Abdullah, the Permanent Secretary of the Tourism, Culture and Environment, 2023, in conjunction with his participation in the 10th International Conference of UNESCO Global Geoparks from 4 to 11 September 2023, Marrakesh-M'Goun Global Geopark, Unesco, Morrocco. The theme was “UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES”
Idea: To establish a Centre focusing on developing the capacity of the stakeholders and local communities of the UNESCO sites on sustainable development, mainly related to leveraging the values of the biophysical environment [i.e. Geo-tourism, Ecotourism and Nature & Cultural-based tourism]

Why did Sabah Parks embark on establishing the Centre for Sustainability and Capacity Building?

In summary, environmental responsibility transcends personal actions. It is a collective endeavour that requires systemic change, informed decision-making, and a commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. There is an urgent need to embrace our role as custodians of the Earth and work together toward a sustainable future.

(1) Issues on climate change and disaster risk reduction have been on the global agenda for centuries, but the solution is nowhere to be assured. The solution's foundation relies critically on conserving the natural environment (Biodiversity and Ecosystems).
(2) Many countries ' policies and action plans have been increasing the size of protected areas, both terrestrial and marine, including the Parks system. Nevertheless, the population growth demands more land for socio-economic development. Hence, increasing the size of protected areas without inhabitants becoming impossible. Even protected areas with inhabitants face challenges regarding human well-being, biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation.
(3) The UN approved the 17 UN-Sustainable Development Goals to solve the environmental degradation over socio-economic development.
(4) Sabah Parks, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, plays a role in mitigating Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction issues. Programmes and action plans based on 17 UNSDGs, Nature-based Solutions, and Ecosystem-based Approaches are the appropriate approaches and way forward.
(5) How? One of many possible initiatives is establishing the Centre for Sustainability and Capacity Building.

Importance of The Centre For Sustainability And Capacity Building (PULESTARI)

(1) The CSCB plays a crucial role in raising awareness and practically dealing with environmental and social issues, leading to beneficial outcomes for society and local people.
(2) It serves as a capacity-building resource, offering valuable insights into sustainable practices and their impact on the society's surrounding environment and the planet.
(3) By highlighting the importance of sustainability, the Centre encourages organisations, groups, individuals, private businesses, stakeholders, and local communities to adopt responsible behaviours and contribute to a greener and more equitable world.

The Leadership & Competency In The Centre

(1) Values: Defined personal, professional, and organisational guiding principles to inform decision-making. Provide a shared sense of responsibility throughout the organisation.
(2) Self-Development: Combined efforts to manage oneself as a resource and to continue learning and improving.
(3) Execution: Clarifying, implementing, and monitoring the shared direction of action and strengthening the existing structures and processes as needed.
(4) Relations: Listening, understanding, and supporting the individual needs of the people one works with and being able to inspire and positively influence others.
(5) Context Management: Managing across one's sphere of influence, both within the hospital walls and beyond the organization.
(6) Transformation: Leading systemic changes and advancing CSCB services based on need, shared vision, and trust.

Definition of Key Terms

(1) Sustainability
What is sustainable development? Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The main components of sustainability are environmental, economic, and social, along with political and fiscal dimensions.
(2) Capacity Building
Capacity-building is defined as the process of developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources that organisations and communities need to survive, adapt, and thrive in a fast-changing world. An essential ingredient in capacity-building is transformation that is generated and sustained over time from within; transformation of this kind goes beyond performing tasks to changing mindsets and attitudes.

Team

About us

Brief History

Why did Sabah Parks embark on establishing the Centre for Sustainability and Capacity Building?

Importance of The Centre For Sustainability And Capacity Building (PULESTARI)

The Leadership & Competency In The Centre

Definition of Key Terms

Initial Staffing