Along the shores of Semporna, Sabah, communities live in close connection with one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. These coastal and island environments are home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. However, today, this delicate balance is under threat. From shark finning and turtle poaching to climate-driven coral bleaching, the pressures on Semporna’s waters are growing. While policies and protection efforts matter, lasting change depends on the people who live there, especially the youth.

 

Participants conducting beach profiling during Climate Action Day at Mabul Island

To meet this challenge, Green Semporna is launching the Community Environmental Leadership Camp (CELC) 2025 to empower local and Indigenous youth as future conservation leaders. Under the theme “Resilient Communities and Ecosystems – Climate Change Adaptation”, CELC will gather 30 participants from 15 community-based organisations within underserved coastal communities in Sabah for a week-long camp in Semporna. They’ll be able to gain practical skills in climate knowledge, leadership, storytelling, and community action. Participants will also co-develop local mini-projects—ten of which will receive seed funding and mentorship for real-world implementation—igniting grassroots action and ensuring those most impacted by environmental change are leading the way toward a more resilient future.