By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 24: The Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) has been officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for achieving the title of “Most Native IUCN Red List Tree Species Planted in a Forest Reserve in a Year”.
According to a media release today, the national record was earned through extensive forest restoration activities carried out throughout 2025 at the Sabal Forest Reserve, where a total of 31,260 indigenous tree seedlings comprising 82 native species listed under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List were successfully planted.
Among the 82 species planted, FDS emphasised that 35 are classified as threatened under the IUCN Red List categories of Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN).
“The effort reflects the department’s commitment to restoring populations of indigenous tree species facing the risk of extinction while improving the ecological integrity of degraded forest landscapes,” FDS said.
FDS added that the achievement demonstrates the importance of restoring forest ecosystems using a diverse range of indigenous species with significant ecological and conservation value.
Beyond increasing forest cover, the initiative contributes to strengthening ecosystem resilience, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving Sarawak’s rich botanical heritage for future generations.
A symbolic presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate was held during the 21st Malaysian Forestry Conference (MFC) on July 13, 2026. The ceremony was witnessed by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in recognition of the department’s outstanding contribution to biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.
The recognition further reinforces Sarawak’s position as a national leader in ecological restoration and highlights the Forest Department Sarawak’s continued commitment to conserving native tree species while supporting global biodiversity conservation efforts under the IUCN Red List framework. — DayakDaily
