Pin Supu forest reserve is Malaysia's first terrestrial site on prestigious conservation list
This listing recognises excellence in conservation and protected area management, marking a significant achievement for Pin Supu.
Sabah chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said the certification, which was issued in May and valid for a period of five years, places Pin Supu Forest Reserve as among the world's best-managed and most effectively governed protected areas.
'More importantly, this reserve is jointly managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) in collaboration with Kopel Berhad, a community-based cooperative in Kinabatangan,' he added.
He said Pin Supu is a Class VI Virgin Forest Reserve, encompassing 4,620 hectares, surrounded by five villages to assist in conservation projects. A 10-year joint forest management agreement (2016-2026) was established between the Sabah government through the SFD and Kopel Berhad.
Kugan said this partnership has brought positive outcomes, including nature-based tourism development that benefit local communities and promote sustainable forest management within the Kinabatangan area.
He said the journey towards Green List certification began with the formal application in 2021.
'Over the course of four years, the site underwent a rigorous multi-phase process (application phase and candidate phase) to complete the 50 indicators required for the certification.
'This included comprehensive self-assessments, evidence submission through the Compass platform, independent expert evaluations by the expert assessment group for the Green List (EAGL), and a final review and verification by an independent reviewer,' said Kugan.
The key milestone was the EAGL site visit, followed by the final reviewer verification in December 2024, he added.
He reiterated that managing Pin Supu with the involvement of surrounding communities has given numerous positive impacts – environmental, social and economic benefits, including biodiversity conservation, local empowerment, and income growth.
'This shows the success of joint efforts in promoting environmental sustainability. This IUCN recognition is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the Sabah Forestry Department and local community in particular Kopel Berhad,' Kugan said.
Earlier in 2022, the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Simca), also in Sabah, was recognised as the country's first marine IUCN Green Listed Area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Scientific expedition workshop to propel Sungai Pin Conservation Area towards IUCN Green List goal
Indra Sunjoto (fourth right) and Nazlan Mohamad (third right) with other officials on stage during the opening ceremony of the workshop. KOTA KINABALU (July 1): The Forest Research Centre (FRC), under the Sabah Forestry Department, successfully co-organized the 'Bengkel Ekspedisi Saintifik Sg. Pin Conservation Area (SPnCA) Siri 2' on June 30 at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok, Sandakan. The initiative is a public-private collaboration with the Conservation and Biodiversity Unit of the Sawit Kinabalu Group. It stems from a stakeholder engagement proposal following the recent SPnCA expedition held in September 2024. The workshop aimed to present key findings from the 2024 scientific expedition and ecosystem services assessment, in comparison with the findings five years ago from the first expedition; reflect on social and community insights, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) linked to the conservation area; forge a shared direction towards biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscape management; and to support SPnCA's journey toward IUCN Green List recognition by 2028, a pioneering goal for an oil palm-managed conservation site. More than 100 participants, including community stakeholders, NGOs and government agencies, joined together to contribute their perspectives and expertise. The Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning & Management), Indra Sunjoto, represented the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, to officiate the event. The Sawit Kinabalu Group was represented by its Chief Sustainability Officer, Nazlan Mohamad. The programme began with a project overview and featured nine research presentations across three thematic sessions in the morning. This was followed by interactive breakout discussions and a final plenary session to consolidate recommendations for future management, focusing on biodiversity monitoring, threat mitigation, and stakeholder collaboration. The outcomes of the workshop will support Sawit Kinabalu's commitment to the IUCN Green List and further drive SPnCA's ambition to become the first conservation site in Malaysia led by an oil palm company to meet international protected area standards. The Sabah Forestry Department remains a dedicated partner, working alongside the Sawit Kinabalu Group to align science, policy, and public engagement in advancing sustainable forest management and conservation leadership in Sabah.
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Empowering youth to love and protect nature
The participants of the Environmental Education Programme at RDC, Sepilok. SANDAKAN (June 22): In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), under the management of the Sabah Forestry Department, organized a one-day Environmental Education Programme on June 21 at RDC, Sepilok. With the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution & Love Our Nature,' the event was to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among youth through immersive, nature-based learning experiences. This programme was organised in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), as part of the nationwide initiative, National Training Week (NTW), from June 14 to 21. A total of 51 students aged between nine and 22 years, along with 16 adult participants, took part in the programme. The participants represented Sepilok Junior Rangers, Al-Yakin Orphanage, St. Mary's Youth Hostel and Sekolah Rendah Islam Ar-Raudhah. Their involvement reflected the inclusive and collaborative spirit of the programme, bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds to share experience and knowledge in a supportive, nature-based learning environment. The participants joined one of two themed learning tracks: bird watching and craft-making using reused No. 6 plastic, or Junior Entomologist and Eco-Brick making. These interactive sessions were designed to provide exposure to biodiversity and plastic waste issues while allowing participants to gain practical knowledge about birds, insects and sustainable living. In addition to building awareness, the programme also encouraged communication, critical thinking and peer engagement around environmental topics. As part of the initiative, selected members of the Sepilok Junior Rangers went through a Train-the-Trainer exercise, where they will practise leadership and facilitation skills by assisting RDC educators in guiding younger participants. This exercise served to build their confidence and ability to inspire others, nurturing their potential as young environmental ambassadors. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, emphasized that the programme has empowered young people with the knowledge and values to care for the environment. Through meaningful contact with nature and collaborative learning, the initiative fostered a sense of personal responsibility and inspired long-term environmental stewardship among the next generation.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- The Sun
Sandakan to launch country's first historical tree trail
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's east coast town of Sandakan is set to carve its name in the Malaysia Book of Records with the Historical Tree Trail project, a first of its kind in the country. The eco-heritage initiative is set to be officially launched by the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) on June 28. Developed with the Sabah Forestry Department, the trail will feature 42 prominent heritage trees tagged with QR codes, allowing visitors to explore Sandakan's natural and cultural legacy. The milestone was announced during a courtesy call by Sandakan Heritage Trail founder and chairman Lai King Hang to Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan. The project is a joint effort by the Sandakan Heritage Trail Committee, Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN) and MPS, with support from voluntary organisations. The route will commence at Masjid Jamik with a stop at Agnes Keith's House for the official Malaysia Book of Records certificate presentation. Over 200 participants from diverse backgrounds are expected to join the inaugural walk. Each tagged tree features a QR code for interactive historical and ecological insights, Lai said. This trail not only highlights Sandakan's rich biodiversity but also positions the city as a pioneer in heritage conservation. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and environmental awareness, he added. Meanwhile, Kugan lauded the initiative, calling it a 'trailblazing effort' that blends conservation, heritage and tourism. Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Arthur Chung, a key member of the trail team, emphasised the unique project's role in promoting sustainable eco-tourism. Also present at the meeting were Forestry Department officers, STAN representatives and members of the Sabah Society Sandakan, underscoring the broad-based support for this landmark project.
