KOTA KINABALU, June 12 (Bernama) — Pin Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR), located in the middle-reaches of the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, has officially been placed on the IUCN Green List, making it Malaysia’s first terrestrial protected area to receive this international recognition.
The forest reserve spans 4,696 hectares, is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, featuring diverse lowland forest types, oxbow lakes as well as a complex limestone karst system of caves, which plays a vital role in maintaining connectivity within the broader Lower Kinabatangan floodplain ecosystem.
World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) Manager for Protected Areas Elyrice Alim praised the achievement as a model for inclusive and practical conservation, as the area is co-managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and KOPEL, a local community cooperative that promotes sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and conservation.
“This is a pioneering example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with communities to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes. What makes PSFR truly special is the community’s active involvement from the beginning, including in co-developing the first management plan,” she said, pointing out that the IUCN Green List reflected a well-managed protected area grounded in strong relationships with local communities, rights-holders and civil society.
Meanwhile, WWF-Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Sophia Lim said the IUCN Green List is a testament to the commitment to conserving biodiversity while supporting economic growth and social inclusion.
She said the partnership between the SFD and KOPEL inspiring, representing over two decades of dedicated, community-driven conservation, and hoped to see more protected as well as conserved areas across Malaysia achieve this global standard.
“This milestone highlights the success of local collaboration and places PSFR alongside some of the world’s best-managed Protected Areas,” she said, adding that it was a landmark moment for conservation in Sabah and Malaysia, made possible through the dedication of multiple partners.
As the implementing partner of the IUCN Green List programme in Malaysia, WWF-Malaysia supports nationwide promotion, coordination and technical facilitation of the Green List process including helping current and future efforts by protected areas working towards this recognition.
— BERNAMA