2 days ago
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.
