A private management approach to coral reef conservation in Sabah, Malaysia

Many marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly in developing countries, have failed because of a lack of enforcement and monitoring due to limited public funds for conservation. Private investment and management in MPAs offers a potential solution, and has been applied with initial positive results at the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) in Sabah, Malaysia. Conservation fees charged to visitors to Lankayan Island Dive Resort within the SIMCA have generated a sustainable source of financing to meet the majority of management costs for the conservation area, which is separately managed by a private organization called Reef Guardian. The availability of adequate funds has enabled Reef Guardian to invest in personnel training and surveillance technology to enforce the rules and regulations of the conservation area. In collaboration with government enforcement agencies, Reef Guardian has reduced threats such as illegal fishing and turtle egg poaching. As a result, there is a comparatively high abundance of commercially important fish, and turtle nestings at Lankayan Island have increased. Private management can be effective in conserving biodiversity in MPAs, and may well succeed regionally in suitable locations.