KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has officially recognised Kinabatangan in Sabah as Malaysia's latest biosphere reserve.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES) said the recognition was announced during the meeting of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme in Hangzhou, China, yesterday (Sept 27).
"Malaysia is proud of the achievement and recognition accorded by UNESCO to two Malaysian biosphere reserves in Sabah under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, which is Kinabatangan
"In addition, the Crocker Range biosphere reserve, which has completed its 10-year periodic review after its recognition in 2014, has retained its status as a UNESCO biosphere reserve,” it said in a statement today.
The NRES, being the national focal point of the MAB programme, congratulated Sabah, saying the success it has achieved is a result of the commitment and dedication of all parties, including the local community, in managing areas of biodiversity interests.
"NRES welcomes any efforts taken by the state government to nominate potential areas for future recognition as MAB sites,” it added.
It also said that the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve, covering 413,866 hectares, is an important habitat to 315 bird species, 100 reptile species, 33 amphibian species, 127 mammal species and over 1,000 vascular plant species.
The reserve is also a habitat for several endemic, rarely seen and endangered species, such as the orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus); Bornean elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis); proboscis monkey (Nasalis Larvatus); sun bear (Helarctos Malayanus); and the eight species of hornbill found in Sabah.
Apart from Kinabatangan and the Crocker Range in Sabah, UNESCO also recognises Tasik Chini, Pahang (2009) and Penang Hill in Penang (2021) as Malaysia's biosphere reserves under the MAB programme.
-- BERNAMA
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