The Habitat Foundation is a charitable trust based in Penang, Malaysia. The organization was established to address our deep concerns about the loss of biodiversity and natural habitats in our region. The Foundation is the non-profit sister organization of The Habitat Penang Hill. The two organizations complement each other in the overall mission to connect people to the ancient rainforest on Penang Hill and raise environmental awareness, while actively supporting meaningful initiatives through the programmatic work of the Foundation.
The Habitat Foundation is committed to supporting the conservation of biodiversity and safeguarding the living environment upon which we all depend. In addition to establishing Penang Hill as an important hub for rainforest and climate change research, the Foundation helps fund strategic conservation and research initiatives both within and beyond Penang.
The Foundation works closely with communities, scientists, academic institutions, NGOs, government agencies, protected area managers, and businesses. Our aim is to protect the irreplaceable natural heritage of this region and shift our society towards sustainability.
Our programmatic work which falls within these four pillars:-
Conservation – we support initiatives to safeguard biodiversity, reverse the loss and degradation of natural ecosystems, and advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources by working closely with government agencies, experts, NGOs, and community partners.
Research – we fund research in conservation biology and related fields in order to identify practical and actionable solutions to protect biodiversity and promote environmental sustainability. As a strategic centre for rainforest research in our region we provide a dynamic platform for interchange among scientists and conservationists.
Education – with The Habitat Penang Hill established as an acclaimed rainforest discovery centre, we aim to serve as a hub to raise the quality, reach, and impact of environmental education for schoolchildren. In addition, we support targeted programmes to enhance public environmental awareness and effective community engagement.
Sustainability – with The Habitat Penang Hill we seek to demonstrate a working model of sustainable financing for a protected area in which the funds generated from the effective management of this nature discovery gateway can generate jobs, and fund maintenance and curation of a world class visitor attraction.
Within our sustainability pillar we are keen to explore and support all elements where mindset shifts, new policies and approaches, creativity and innovation are needed to ensure the wise use of natural resources and reduce human impact on the planet.
Training – We are committed to building capacity and supporting talent among the new generation of scientists, practitioners and community organizers through facilitating strategic training and exchanges and providing travel grants for locals to participate in international meetings and workshops. In partnership with regional leaders in rainforest research we also facilitate specialized training for conservation leaders and changemakers working on the frontlines throughout Southeast Asia.
