Penang Hill Named Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO

The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve from atop the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, the highest publicly accessible viewing platform in Penang, set within The Habitat Penang Hill.

The designation of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO is a fitting recognition of the unique natural and cultural heritage of Penang Island and its people.

The official designation of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme in Abuja, Nigeria yesterday is certainly a cause for celebration for Malaysia. With this designation, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, which comprises 12,481 hectares of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the north-western part of Penang Island will be counted among a distinguished global network of 714 Biosphere Reserves across 129 countries.

Biosphere Reserves the world over are celebrated for their exceptional biodiversity and distinct social landscapes as well as for their potential to demonstrate innovative ways of living in harmony with nature.

This designation is a recognition of the rich natural and cultural heritage of Penang Island and an opportunity to be part of the Man and the Biosphere programme which is a unique platform for international collaboration.

At this time, almost four years ago, together with the state government and Universiti Sains Malaysia, they were preparing for the Penang Hill BioBlitz 2017, a rapid assessment to document the biodiversity of Penang Hill. The intention was to stimulate interest in nature and emphasise the importance of conserving a living biodiversity heritage. It was also during this time that the idea of establishing a Biosphere Reserve was seeded. Penang could not be prouder to see this idea blossom into something much larger than the original vision.

Participants of the BioBlitz 2017, organised by the Habitat Group.

Under the leadership of the Penang Hill Corporation, with the contribution of many State and Federal government agencies involved in the preparation and eventual submission of the nomination dossier, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve now features not only the timeless forests of Penang Hill but also encompasses the State’s Forest Reserves, the historic Penang Botanical Gardens, Penang National Park, and coastal and marine ecosystems in an unbroken link from the hill to the sea.

Together with the communities that live alongside these areas, the Biosphere Reserve truly represents the best of Malasya, and sets forth a challenge to all of them to steward it well.

The UNESCO designation today is confirmation that all joint efforts have been well-invested and Penang continues to be optimistic that with the history of close collaboration among all key agencies, it will signal the beginning of an exciting and meaningful journey towards a common vision.

Going forward, The Habitat Group remains committed to showcasing nature on Penang Hill and realising the potential Penang Island has to become an important global centre for tropical research and conservation, environmental education, and best practice in sustainable natural resource management at a time in our planet’s history where the healing power of nature, and environmental leadership have never been more important.