Animals

NGO launches Borneo’s first wildlife-centric magazine

ARA magazine features an introduction to 20 conservation organisations in East Malaysia and stories about wildlife in Borneo

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 08 Feb 2022 6:00PM

NGO launches Borneo’s first wildlife-centric magazine — Founder of wildlife organisation 1Stopborneo Wildlife Shaves Cheema launched Borneo’s first wildlife magazine in Kota Kinabalu last month. – Pic courtesy of 1Stopborneo Wildlife, February 8, 2022

by Rebecca Chong

SANDAKAN – A Sabah-based NGO, the 1Stopborneo Wildlife recently launched Borneo’s first magazine fully dedicated to wildlife conservation in Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, named ARA magazine.

1Stopborneo Wildlife’s founder, Shavez Cheema said that the magazine, which was officially launched in Kota Kinabalu last month, features an introduction to 20 conservation organisations from that part of the world, and it is published in English and Malay, available on the internet (via an e-magazine) and physically, free for everyone to read.

“As wildlife enthusiasts, we read so many articles and magazines on wildlife, but they are usually from the Western countries. We have magazines on wildlife in West Malaysia, but we do not have one in Borneo.

“By producing this magazine, people can have a one-stop place to learn about Borneo’s wildlife. We want to have more people in Borneo to be educated about the amazing stories of wildlife in Borneo.

“We also want people to learn about the amazing works done by conservation organisations in Borneo, and we hope that it would reach as many people as possible,” Shavez told The Vibes.

Shaves Cheema and representatives from other wildlife organisations during the magazine’s launch last month. – Pic courtesy of 1Stopborneo Wildlife

He said the best part about the magazine is that it is easy to read, with only a page of 200 to 300 words to introduce each NGO with lots of pictures.

“The magazine is for everyone. There are pages for those who love science, butterflies, snakes, and even colouring pages for the kids. We hope that it will interest everyone,” he said.

The launch event also saw the release of a photographic guide to Mammals of Borneo, which contains photos of over 185 species of animals found in Borneo.

Shavez thanked Sime Darby Plantation Bhd for funding the production of the magazine, and aims to produce ARA twice a year.

“I hope people will enjoy the magazine and help us share it as widely as possible,” he added.

ARA magazine is now available online for free here, while the physical editions are available to be read in over 25 coffee shops in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Kuching, Brunei, and Pontianak, Indonesia. –The Vibes, February 8, 2022