In 1996, the environmetalists met the Sabah Chief Minister, YB Datuk Yong Teck Lee, Who was instrumental in approving the designation of the Likas Mangrove as a bird sanctuary to protect the area. Under the directive of the State Government, the Likas Sanctuary Management Committee (LWSMC) was established for an initial period of three years as the coordinating mechanism for planning and implementation of development of the Likas Wetlands area as a conservation area. WWF Malaysia was approved by LWSMC as the technical consultant to produce the Development and Management Plan of the site.