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Borneo Post
13-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Pin Supu: Malaysia's First IUCN Green List site
Bird's eye view of Pin Supu Forest Reserve in Kinabatangan. Sabah has once again set the benchmark in forest conservation. The Pin Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR), located in the heart of the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, has been officially recognised as Malaysia's first terrestrial protected area to be included in the prestigious IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas in May 2025, for a period of five years. Sunrise view from Supu Peak Limestone. This international recognition, issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), acknowledges PSFR as a well-managed, effectively governed, and inclusive protected area. It places the reserve among a global network of conservation areas meeting rigorous standards for biodiversity protection, fair governance, and positive environmental and social outcomes. The recognition follows the Green Listing of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) in 2022, making Pin Supu the second Malaysian site — but the first on land — to achieve this milestone. Orang utan can be sighted within PSFR. A Vital Ecosystem in the Kinabatangan Basin Covering approximately 4,696 hectares, the Pin Supu Forest Reserve is a biological treasure trove in Sabah's biodiversity-rich Kinabatangan region. The area is characterised by a mosaic of lowland rainforest types, oxbow lakes, and limestone cave systems — all of which serve critical ecological functions and provide habitat for a wide array of plant and animal species. A male Bornean endemic proboscis monkey. Situated within the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain, the forest reserve is home to some of Borneo's most iconic wildlife, including the Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills, and Bornean elephants. The ecosystem connectivity maintained by this reserve supports species migration, genetic exchange, and long-term ecological resilience in the region. The rhinoceros hornbill is one of the eight hornbills that can be sighted along the Kinabatangan area. The Bornean elephant is one of the wildlife attractions within the Kinabatangan area. Joint Management: A Model for Inclusive Conservation What truly sets Pin Supu apart is its co-management model, where the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) works in close partnership with KOPEL Berhad, a community-based cooperative involving five surrounding villages. This joint management agreement, established in 2016, has led to inclusive forest stewardship, where local communities are actively involved in conservation, forest monitoring, sustainable nature-based tourism development, and education. Through this model, forest protection efforts are deeply rooted in local knowledge and sustained by community ownership and economic incentives. The Chief Conservator Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan. According to the Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Frederick Kugan, this collaboration has produced 'tangible and lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits' that extend far beyond the boundaries of the forest itself. Kugan reiterated, 'The recognition by IUCN places Pin Supu among the best-managed protected areas in the world. This is not only a win for Sabah but also for the people who have worked tirelessly on the ground to make this possible.' Group photo of Forestry Headquarters' coordinators with members of EAGL Malaysia. A Long Road to Global Recognition The journey towards IUCN Green List certification began in 2021, when the site submitted its formal application. Over four years, PSFR underwent a rigorous multi-phase evaluation, including self-assessments, documentation uploads to the IUCN COMPASS platform, and extensive third-party reviews. The process involved meeting 50 performance indicators across four primary areas, namely good governance, sound planning and design, effective management, and lastly measurable conservation outcomes. EAGL site evaluation of PSFR with District Forestry Officer of Kinabatangan. An important milestone in this process was the Expert Assessment Group for the Green List (EAGL) site visit and subsequent independent reviewer verification, which took place in December 2024. The final Green List certificate was issued in May 2025, valid for five years. WWF Malaysia also contributed significantly to the success of this green listing. This comprehensive process ensures that listed areas not only have sound conservation plans but also demonstrate long-term impact, resilience, and adaptive capacity. On top of the limestone outcrop in PSFR. A Community-Led Success Story Local communities surrounding Pin Supu have played a pivotal role in the reserve's management and protection. Through KOPEL Berhad, villagers have been engaged in various forest-based enterprises, including eco-lodges, guided forest treks, wildlife river cruises, and habitat restoration projects. Income generated from tourism and conservation initiatives is reinvested into community development, creating alternative livelihoods, reducing pressure on forest resources, and encouraging youth engagement in environmental stewardship. This community empowerment has strengthened the protection of the area, with residents taking active roles in anti-poaching patrols, biodiversity surveys, and reforestation activities. 'The success of Pin Supu shows that when local people are directly involved in protecting their forests, everyone benefits — nature, communities, and future generations alike,' said a representative of the forest conservation programme. Group photo with members of EAGL, WWF Malaysia, KOPEL Berhad and DFO Kinabatangan at the Tungog Lake Eco Camp in PSFR. 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.
Saudi Gazette
24-06-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Uruq Bani Ma'arid joins International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Uruq Bani Ma'arid, one of Saudi Arabia's most ecologically significant protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas. This recognition confirms the site's global ecological importance and highlights the Kingdom's expanding leadership in conserving arid-land habitats. Saudi Arabia's inclusion of Uruq Bani Ma'arid follows earlier Green List achievements, notably for the Ibex Protected Area and the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. These milestones reflect sustained progress toward excellence in protected-area management. Uruq Bani Ma'arid spans 12,765 square kilometers at the western edge of the Empty Quarter—the world's largest continuous sand desert—harboring the greatest biodiversity in the Empty Quarter. In 2023, the landscape was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural value. The IUCN Green List sets the global benchmark for effective and equitable protected-area management. To qualify, sites must demonstrate transparent governance, measurable conservation outcomes, and meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. Uruq Bani Ma'arid met these criteria through its integrated planning, resilient ecological monitoring, and habitat restoration programs. Under the stewardship of the National Center for Wildlife, Uruq Bani Ma'arid has successfully implemented a breeding and reintroduction program for the endangered Arabian oryx. Commenting on the occasion, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife Dr. Mohammad Qurban said that Uruq Bani Ma'arid exemplifies what science-guided conservation can achieve in extreme landscapes. "Its inclusion on the IUCN Green List reflects our dedication to protecting biodiversity and delivering real conservation impact at both national and global scales.' He added that this milestone supports Saudi Arabia's contribution to the global 30x30 biodiversity target, protecting 30 percent of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. It also aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative, which integrates conservation as a core pillar of Vision 2030.
The Star
07-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Pin Supu forest reserve is Malaysia's first terrestrial site on prestigious conservation list
KOTA KINABALU: The Pin Supu Forest Reserve in Kinabatangan, Sabah, is the first terrestrial site in Malaysia to be included into the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 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.
Muscat Daily
19-04-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman moves towards global recognition of protected areas
Muscat – In cooperation with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Environment Authority hosted a two-day workshop in Muscat last week to introduce a programme called 'Green List of Protected Areas'. The initiative aims to enhance management of nature reserves in Oman by aligning these with internationally recognised standards of excellence. The IUCN Green List is a global certification system that assesses performance of protected areas against 17 criteria and 50 indicators covering governance, planning, management and conservation outcomes. The workshop introduced mechanisms required for nomination, evaluation and listing of Omani nature reserves under this global programme. Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority (EA), said the workshop reflects the sultanate's commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development. He described the Green List initiative as a culmination of ongoing efforts to improve protected area management and align practices with international benchmarks. 'This step supports the national goal of enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our nature reserves,' said Amri. 'It promotes global recognition, improves administrative performance and ensures community engagement in environmental management.' Sulaiman bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director General of Nature Conservation at EA, highlighted the sultanate's remarkable biodiversity, which includes more than 15,000 species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna, many rare or endemic. Oman currently has 31 declared nature reserves, representing a range of ecosystems including coasts, deserts, mountains, plains and valleys. Akhzami noted that nomination files for several protected areas have already been submitted for consideration in the IUCN Green List. These include the Al Saleel Nature Reserve, which has passed the first stage of the global evaluation, Arabian Oryx Reserve and the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. The workshop explored progress on including these sites in the Green List by compiling the required documentation and engaging with key stakeholders. It also outlined criteria and stages necessary for achieving IUCN certification, which includes demonstrating effective governance, community involvement and measurable biodiversity outcomes. 'This ambitious step underscores Oman's determination to elevate the management standards of its protected areas and boost their international profile,' Akhzami added.
Observer
15-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Campaign begins on Oman joining the 'Green List of Protected Areas'
Muscat: A workshop on the 'Green List of Protected Areas' began in Muscat today, which is organized by the Environment Authority (EA) in cooperation with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The process for joining the Green List is based on three stages. The first is the initial application stage, during which the reserve is evaluated based on several basic indicators. The second is the nomination stage, during which the reserve works to meet all required criteria. This includes a field evaluation by independent international experts. The final stage is the accreditation stage, during which the reserve is granted an official certificate from the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and is officially included on the Green List. The seminar aims to introduce standards of excellence in the management of nature reserves, through the application of the internationally recognized "Green List" system, which evaluates the performance of nature reserves around the world through 17 standards and 50 indicators covering the areas of governance, planning, management, and environmental conservation outcomes. Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, chairman of the Environment Authority, said that this step towards registering a number of nature reserves in the Sultanate of Oman on the International Green List is the culmination of the efforts of the Authority and its partners to enhance the efficiency of nature reserve management. He said emphasized Oman's commitment to protecting biodiversity following international standards, supporting sustainable development goals, enhancing the effectiveness of protected area management and aligning it with global best practices, engaging the local community in environmental management processes, increasing the number of effectively managed protected areas, achieving international recognition of protected areas, and improving administrative performance. Eng. Sulaiman bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director General of Nature Conservation at EA, said that the Sultanate of Oman boasts a unique biodiversity, hosting more than 15,000 species of wild and marine plants and animals, including rare and endemic species of regional and global importance. He stressed that the Sultanate of Oman has paid great attention to protecting its rich and diverse natural resources, by allocating protected areas, as the number of officially declared natural reserves in the Sultanate of Oman are 31 covering various environments and ecosystems such as coasts, deserts, mountains, plains and wadis. He pointed out that the Environment Agency has submitted nomination files for a number of nature reserves for inclusion on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Green List," which is one of the most prominent international initiatives concerned with measuring the effectiveness of protected area management, including governance, community participation, and achieving tangible results in biodiversity conservation. He stressed that this ambitious step by the Environment Authority confirms the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to enhance the quality of environmental management in Oman's protected areas and raise their standing regionally and internationally. Engineer Natalia Boulad, Director of the Protected Areas, World Heritage and Biodiversity Programme at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), noted that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) places great importance on the work of its partners and members in the West Asia region to achieve the Union's mission of achieving a just world that values and protects nature. She said that the Union encourages building partnerships with local and international bodies and organizations to exchange expertise and best practices, and to work together to ensure the application of the highest standards in the field of nature conservation and the sustainability of natural resources. She added that working to adopt the Green List standard in protected areas in the Sultanate of Oman and seeking to include these sites on the list is an ambitious goal that we hope to see shortly, to ensure the quality and effectiveness of conservation efforts and achieve tangible results in protecting biodiversity in Oman. The session will include visual presentations and discussion sessions focusing on the mechanisms for preparing nomination files for nature reserves from various countries around the world to be announced as members of the Green List. It will also include the exchange of experiences between countries, as well as exploring opportunities to improve environmental performance in reserves in the Sultanate of Oman and enhance the role of local communities in protecting natural resources. The episode introduces the mechanism for incorporating three nature reserves from the Sultanate of Oman into the International Green List by collecting the required data and submitting it to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These are: Al Saleel Nature Reserve, which has passed the first stages of global assessment, the Arabian Oryx Reserve, and the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.
