The Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) has formalised a strategic partnership with the World Pheasant Association (WPA) through a memorandum of understanding signed at the Global Bird Fair 2025 in Rutland, United Kingdom.
The agreement paves the way for scientific collaboration, bird conservation programmes, and the hosting of international birding events in Sabah.
The MoU was signed between WPA Head of Science Committee Dr Geoffrey Davison and SBWA President Ronald Pudin.
It was witnessed by WPA Vice President John Corder, WPA Administrator Barbara Ingman, and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
This year’s fair, held from July 11 to 13 at Lyndon Top Caravan Park, featured participation from Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Trails, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo Eco Tours, and 1 Stop Borneo.
They were joined by members of SBWA and the Penampang Tourism Association, reinforcing Sabah’s ambition to become a leading birdwatching destination in Southeast Asia.
“This partnership underscores Sabah’s commitment to biodiversity conservation while enhancing its standing as a nature-based tourism hub,” said Tan.
He acknowledged renowned naturalist Quentin Phillipps for facilitating the connection between SBWA and WPA, and thanked Corder for visiting Sabah earlier this year as part of ongoing engagement efforts.
The Global Bird Fair draws thousands of birdwatchers, naturalists, and tourism professionals from around the world.
Last year, it recorded an estimated 10,000 visitors over three days.
The UK alone has some six million registered birdwatchers, representing a promising niche market for Sabah.
Royal Brunei Airlines is joining STB at Stand S38 in the Swallow Marquee, symbolising a strategic effort to boost flight connectivity for birdwatchers from the UK and beyond.
The collaboration aims to improve access to Sabah’s rainforests and bird-rich habitats.
STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said Sabah, with over 680 bird species, many of them endemic, offers birders a rare experience in one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.
He said the partnership with Royal Brunei Airlines is a strategic move to open Sabah’s skies to birding enthusiasts from Europe and further afield.
Sabah’s presence at the Global Bird Fair 2025 reinforces its commitment to niche tourism, sustainable travel, and positioning itself as a premier birding destination in the heart of Borneo.
