Kota Kinabalu | 12 June 2025 – Pin Supu Forest Reserve (PSFR) has officially been awarded IUCN Green List status, making it Malaysia's first terrestrial protected area to receive this international recognition. Following the accreditation of Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) in May 2022, PSFR’s inclusion on the list shows its exemplary commitment to biodiversity conservation, effective management, and inclusive, community-based approaches.

Located in the mid-reaches of the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain in Sabah’s Kinabatangan District, Pin Supu Forest Reserve spans 4,696 hectares. The reserve features diverse lowland forest types, oxbow lakes, and a complex limestone karst system of caves. Home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, PSFR plays a vital role in maintaining connectivity within the broader Lower Kinabatangan floodplain ecosystem. This area is co-managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) and KOPEL, a local community cooperative that promotes sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and conservation. It is currently the only forest area in Sabah managed in partnership with a local community, where meaningful participation is recognised as a key priority.

WWF-Malaysia praised the achievement as a model for inclusive and practical conservation. “This is a pioneering example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with communities to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes,” said WWF-Malaysia’s Elyrice Alim, site mentor for PSFR’s Green List journey. “The IUCN Green List is more than just a label—it reflects a well-managed protected area grounded in strong relationships with local communities, rights-holders, and civil society. What makes Pin Supu Forest Reserve truly special is the community’s active involvement from the beginning, including in co-developing the first management plan.”

Echoing this, WWF-Malaysia CEO, Sophia Lim, said, “The IUCN Green List is a testament to the commitment to conserving biodiversity while supporting economic growth and social inclusion. The partnership between the Sabah Forestry Department and KOPEL is inspiring, representing over two decades of dedicated, community-driven conservation. We hope to see more protected and conserved areas across Malaysia achieve this global standard. This milestone highlights the success of local collaboration and places Pin Supu Forest Reserve alongside some of the world’s best-managed Protected Areas.

Building on this momentum, Tun Mustapha Park (TMP)—one of Sabah’s iconic marine protected areas, managed by Sabah Parks—is now preparing for its IUCN Green List evaluation. This process involves assessing how well the park is managed and protected to meet international standards. It reflects Sabah’s ongoing, collective commitment to conservation excellence. Together, we can make it happen.”

The recognition of Pin Supu Forest Reserve on the IUCN Green List marks 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.

 

Photos:
  Tungog Lake, located in Batu Puteh within the Pin Supu Forest Reserve, is a vital freshwater ecosystem surrounded by lowland rainforest, playing a key role in local biodiversity and community-based ecotourism. © Mazidi Abd Ghani / WWF-Malaysia
  The community from Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, near Pin Supu Forest Reserve, actively engage in community-led conservation. © WWF-Malaysia
  As part of KOPEL’s ecotourism package, local community members engage visitors in hands-on restoration activities to help rehabilitate the surrounding environment. © WWF-Malaysia

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About WWF-Malaysia
World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) was established in 1972 and is part of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and nature, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major themes: forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

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