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.
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Lessons in Effective Governance and Sustainability The IUCN Green List standard promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Pin Supu's achievement illustrates that good governance and ecological integrity are inseparable — and that strong relationships between government bodies, communities, and civil society are key to sustainable conservation outcomes. This achievement demonstrates that protected areas can be more than just fences and boundaries — they can be dynamic landscapes where biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods thrive in harmony. It also reinforces the importance of long-term vision and consistent investment, with the 10-year co-management agreement between SFD and KOPEL laying the foundation for meaningful change. National and Global Impact The Green List certification of Pin Supu is timely, as Malaysia moves toward achieving its target of protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. WWF-Malaysia, acting as the national implementing partner for the IUCN Green List Programme, has played a key role in providing technical assistance, coordination, and capacity building to support the site's Green List journey. This includes helping other protected areas prepare for future candidacy. The hope is that Pin Supu's success will encourage other protected and conserved areas across Malaysia to pursue similar recognition, particularly those in critical ecosystems such as peat swamps, montane forests, and mangroves. The IUCN Green List currently includes more than 100 sites across over 50 countries. Pin Supu now joins this elite group as an emblem of conservation excellence — and as a Malaysian model for inclusive, effective, and equitable forest governance. A Beacon for Future Conservation The story of Pin Supu Forest Reserve is more than a conservation victory — it is a blueprint for the future. It shows that with determination, trust, and community commitment, even small forest areas can gain global recognition. Moving forward, the Sabah Forestry Department plans to leverage the Green List achievement to expand environmental education, build research collaborations, and replicate its co-management model in other high-biodiversity areas. Additional efforts will also be made to monitor and maintain compliance with the Green List standards throughout the five-year certification period, ensuring that the site continues to meet evolving conservation benchmarks. 'The Green List is not just a reward — it is a responsibility. This recognition reinforces our duty to manage forests in a way that respects ecological systems and supports the people who depend on them.' said Kugan. Conclusion: Conservation Rooted in People and Place The recognition of Pin Supu Forest Reserve as Malaysia's first terrestrial IUCN Green List site is a proud moment for Sabah and for the country. It affirms that biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and local empowerment can, and must go hand in hand. As challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and deforestation continue to intensify globally, the Pin Supu model offers hope. It proves that when nature and people work together, progress is not only possible — it is inevitable. For the communities of Kinabatangan and for conservationists across the region, Pin Supu is more than just a forest. It is a legacy of shared stewardship, a symbol of resilience, and a living testament to Malaysia's commitment to a greener future.
