Jul 24 2018

Habitalk: Reaching High toward Unesco Biosphere Reserve Status

The hills and the coast of Penang have always been important to Penang’s communities. The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve which encompasses these natural areas are a vital green lung to Penang Island; they provide valuable ecosystem services, spaces for recreation, and support the local economy. The nomination of the Penang Hill UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve celebrates Penang’s distinctive natural and social landscapes and emphasizes an ongoing commitment to achieving a balance between nature conservation and development through sustainable use.

The Penang State Government is currently in the process of nominating the area shown in the map as a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve. This biodiversity-rich landscape comprises the hill forest of Penang Hill which extends all the way to the lowland dipterocarp forest and coastal zone within Penang National Park, and then a further 1.5 nautical miles into the sea. This area is protected within existing Forest Reserves, water catchment areas, and the park.

At this free public talk on 28 July 2018 at 12.00 am at The Habitat Ticketing Office Prof. Siti Azizah Mohd Nor, who heads the team preparing the nomination dossier will share some of the reasons why Penang Hill’s unique natural and social landscape is deserving of UNESCO MAN status, and how this recognition can become a springboard to achieving a balance between nature conservation and human activity.

On Malaysia Day we celebrate all who are working in some capacity to preserve the natural heritage of our country because conservationists are patriots.

We know what it means to love this nation so intensely that we will endure untold hardships and time away from loved ones to complete our mission because our work is the tangible expression of our commitment to our country.

We will go to the mountain tops, to the depths of the seas, into the darkest caves, and distant forest interiors, and we will call ourselves lucky to have known this miraculous rain drenched country so well.

We know that we will never be rich, except in experiences and friendships, and we are at peace with that, because what is more important than ensuring that the beauty of nature and the lifeforce of this place persists?

We will lend our voices to speak for our fellow Malaysians that experience little of the opportunities that being a citizen in a developing nation should offer, but all of the instability and misery of a despoiled environment, declining resources and concern for the future.

We experience disappointment upon disappointment in our mission. Each loss of species or habitat or geological monument, now gone forever is deeply felt. Of late there are far too many of these losses and disappointments. Yet we find the resolve to preserve hope because we must.

When we criticise, as we are called to do, understand that it comes from a deep love and concern for the long-term welfare of this nation and its people, as much as it is for wild nature that has no voice and is now at our mercy.

Conservationists have no need of accolades. We do not expect to be admired for our sacrifice. We only ask one thing of all citizens and leaders – do right by our country. Protect our ecosystems and our natural heritage – these are where the true riches lie, these are what make Malaysia truly blessed, these are what our country needs to face the challenges that the future holds.

[Image taken from THF Bootcamp for Conservation Leaders, Penang National Park 2019]

Internship at THF provides opportunity for budding conservationist to learn the ropes

Internships are some of the ways in which tertiary students can get some insights into the world of conservation work as a foretaste of their future careers. Matthew Vergara shares some highlights from his recent experience at The Habitat Foundation.

RASMA volunteers get a taste of conservation work at The Habitat

Here at The Habitat Foundation, we are committed to empowering young and passionate nature enthusiasts who could be the future environmental conservation. We have continuously and consistently provided opportunities for young interns to learn, grow and contribute to the work that we do.