An aerial view of the restoration site at Mount Wullersdorf Forest Reserve. © Restore Team/WWF-Malaysia Photo.
KOTA KINABALU: An integrated habitat restoration effort within the Mount Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserves on the east coast of Kunak has earned conservators the Ecosystem Restoration Field Verification Certificate.
This certification was awarded to World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia for working with Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) to bring these sites to be recognised for meeting international standards in forest restoration and climate resilience
WWF-Malaysia and the Forestry Department issued a joint statement stating that this globally recognised standard evaluates on-the-ground restoration efforts, ensuring compliance with best practices in sustainability and environmental recovery.
WWF-Malaysia said that through targeted restoration efforts, the 276-hectare site within the extinct volcano Mount Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserves was helping to reconnect fragmented forest areas and enhance ecological connectivity across the landscape.
These natural linkages are critical for the movement and survival of endangered wildlife such as orangutans and banteng, allowing them to access food sources, breeding grounds and safe migration routes, it said.
It said that strengthening connectivity also supports broader ecosystem functions, contributing to biodiversity conservation and long-term climate resilience.
“The department applauds the collaboration to restore Mt Wullersdorf and Mt Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang as part of a broader strategy to reconnect and protect the surrounding forest reserves,” said Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan.
He said these initiatives are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services,” he said.
He said these efforts must continue to ensure a lasting impact that is aligned with SFD’s strategy to restore and protect the entire forest landscape by preserving its ecological integrity, enhancing climate resilience, and securing long-term benefits for both nature and people.
(centre left) Yee representing WWF-Malaysia presenting Certificate of Appreciation to the Sabah Forestry Department.
Alexander Yee, Trustee of WWF-Malaysia, said the restoration of Mount Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang is part of a broader, multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at enhancing forest connectivity and resilience in Sabah’s biodiverse landscapes.
The certification recognises the collective efforts of government agencies, civil society, and corporate partners working together to rehabilitate degraded areas, support local livelihoods and promote sustainable land management practices, he said.
“This certification affirms our shared commitment to restoring ecological integrity and building forest resilience,” he said.
“Supported by WWF and Unilever, this project demonstrates the effectiveness of the Living Landscape Approach, which brings together science, community, and sustainability to drive impact - not just in one site, but across entire landscapes,” Yee added.
