Holding a bucket full of hatchlings
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Mabul Island: A Shared Future

Located off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and surrounded by the extraordinary marine life of the Coral Triangle, Mabul Island is a place where the ocean shapes everyday life. For generations, its waters have provided food, livelihoods, and a deep connection to nature. They are also home to endangered sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and countless species that depend on a healthy marine ecosystem.
 
Protecting this environment is not the work of one organization alone. Over many years, Scuba Junkie SEAS has worked alongside local residents to build trust, strengthen conservation efforts, and create lasting partnerships. Together, they protect turtle nests, respond to injured marine wildlife, and help ensure that the island's natural heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.
 
At the heart of this story is the community itself. Through initiatives such as the Mabul Eco Youth, young people are gaining new skills, participating in conservation projects, and inspiring others to take action. From protecting wildlife to tackling waste and promoting environmental awareness, they are showing that meaningful change begins at the local level. 
 
This is a story about collaboration, responsibility, and hope. It shows how awareness can become action, how conservation can bring people together, and how a shared commitment to the ocean is helping build a more sustainable future for Mabul Island, its wildlife, and the generations to come.
 
Watch the video below to discover how the people of Mabul are working together to protect the island's natural heritage and shape a shared future for people and nature:
 
 

As we celebrate 25 years of the IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU, we showcase some of the people, initiatives and communities that have contributed to marine turtle conservation across the region. Visit our Story Map to discover their stories.