KUCHING: The Sarawak Forest Department has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for planting the most native tree species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in a forest reserve in a year.
The record was achieved through restoration activities at Sabal Forest Reserve in Simunjan throughout 2025, when 31,260 indigenous tree seedlings from 82 species on the IUCN Red List were planted.
Of the 82 species, 35 were classified as threatened under the IUCN Red List categories of vulnerable and endangered, the department said in a statement on Friday (July 24).
It said this reflected the department's strong commitment to restoring populations of indigenous tree species facing extinction risks while enhancing the ecological integrity of degraded forest landscapes.
"This achievement highlights the importance of restoring forest ecosystems using a diverse range of indigenous species with high ecological and conservation value.
"The initiative contributes not only to increasing forest cover but also to strengthening ecosystem resilience, enhancing biodiversity and safeguarding Sarawak's rich botanical heritage for future generations," it added.
The Malaysia Book of Records certificate was presented to the department during the Malaysian Forestry Conference on July 13, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
"This recognition reinforces Sarawak's position as a national leader in ecological restoration and reflects the Sarawak Forest Department's continued commitment to conserving native tree species while supporting global biodiversity conservation efforts under the IUCN Red List framework," the department said.
