Climate Change Readiness

Preparing Segama for a hotter and less predictable future

As across Sabah, communities along the Segama are already living with a changing climate. Hotter days, rain arriving at unfamiliar times and floods rising quickly after heavy rain upstream are becoming part of everyday life. Familiar seasonal signs are also becoming less reliable, making it harder to know when to plant, harvest, fish or work outdoors.

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The challenge

Climate change is adding to existing problems along the river. Cleared riverbanks, erosion, poor drainage, pollution and changing land use can worsen flooding, heat and water shortages. Preparing for the future means understanding where these risks overlap and taking action before they cause greater damage to homes, farms, health and livelihoods.

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Building climate readiness

Forever Sabah is bringing together community knowledge and climate maps to understand how conditions are changing across the Segama. Maps of humid heat, heavy rainfall, flooding and dry conditions will show where risks may increase and help communities, government agencies and land managers prepare.

The Integrated Catchment Management Plan will turn this knowledge into action across the river basin. Communities, alongside other land users and stakeholders, will help set priorities and shape local responses, from restoring riverbanks and improving weather and flood monitoring to adapting farming and livelihoods to changing conditions.

Current focus: Using community knowledge and climate information to guide practical decisions in villages and across the Segama River Basin.