As many as 200 tree species can be found within 1 hectare of Malaysian rainforests.
~ Turner, 2001a
Dipterocarps have a unique biology and a slow reproductive cycle. Seeds are produced during mast fruiting events which occur every 5-7 years, and the seeds are ‘recalcitrant’ – their high-water content makes them unsuitable for storage (e.g. in a seed bank), and thus must be germinated. Recalcitrant seeds rescued from forest fragments can be planted out with seeds from different parents to create a living collection of trees that can reproduce perpetually. Seeds from the living collection could then serve future reforestation projects.
The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest environmental challenges the world faces. In Malaysia logging, agriculture, palm oil and development have all contributed to increased forest fragmentation and species loss. Approximately 80% of Malaysian rainforests are dominated by the Dipterocarpaceae family of trees, of which 93 species are considered threatened in Malaysia.
At Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre, we aim to play our part in protecting Malaysia's rare, threatened and endangered plant species. We believe in taking action and working on the ground in order to tackle biodiversity loss – one of the most pressing issues facing today’s society. Our conservation and landscape-level initiatives promote sustainable development and management practices.
In January, TRCRC team from TRLC-Banun joined the tree-climbing team from Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perak (@jabhutanperak) and officials from Kampung Chang and Air Ganda Nursery for a seed collection field trip at Bukit Tapah Forest Reserve, Bidor, Perak.
🌱 The primary objective of this collaboration is to strengthen TRCRC’s technical capacity in seed collection through practical learning and demonstration of tree-climbing techniques from the state agency, as well as mutual knowledge exchange among the nursery team. Through this expedition, the TRCRC team also acquired Dipterocarp and non-Dipterocarp seeds from additional seed sources in southern Perak.
🌸 The seed survey and expedition is part of the effort to survey the flowering and fruiting of the Dipterocarps during the dry season. We also found some other species fruiting around the region, make sure to swipe left to see more!
🌳✨We are honored to have experienced this event alongside the Perak State and District Forestry Office, and we look forward to more collaboration in the future!
In January, TRCRC team from TRLC-Banun joined the tree-climbing team from Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perak (@jabhutanperak) and officials from Kampung Chang and Air Ganda Nursery for a seed collection field trip at Bukit Tapah Forest Reserve, Bidor, Perak.
🌱 The primary objective of this collaboration is to strengthen TRCRC’s technical capacity in seed collection through practical learning and demonstration of tree-climbing techniques from the state agency, as well as mutual knowledge exchange among the nursery team. Through this expedition, the TRCRC team also acquired Dipterocarp and non-Dipterocarp seeds from additional seed sources in southern Perak.
🌸 The seed survey and expedition is part of the effort to survey the flowering and fruiting of the Dipterocarps during the dry season. We also found some other species fruiting around the region, make sure to swipe left to see more!
🌳✨We are honored to have experienced this event alongside the Perak State and District Forestry Office, and we look forward to more collaboration in the future!
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🌿 On 11 February, the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the critical contributions of women in STEM and to champion equal opportunities in science and research. At TRCRC, science is at the heart of rainforest restoration and women are an integral part of this journey.
Across our nurseries and restoration sites, women contribute to every layer of conservation work. From seed collection, propagation and tree planting to site preparation and long-term tree census monitoring. They take part in biodiversity surveys through camera trapping and birdwatching, venture into the forest to identify native flora and fauna species as well as conduct soil sampling to better understand and protect our ecosystems.
Today, we celebrate the passion, expertise and perseverance of women and girls in science. May more young women feel inspired to step into the field, the lab and the forest. Your work matters, your voice matters, and the future of conservation is stronger because of you! 🪷🌱
🌿 On 11 February, the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the critical contributions of women in STEM and to champion equal opportunities in science and research. At TRCRC, science is at the heart of rainforest restoration and women are an integral part of this journey.
Across our nurseries and restoration sites, women contribute to every layer of conservation work. From seed collection, propagation and tree planting to site preparation and long-term tree census monitoring. They take part in biodiversity surveys through camera trapping and birdwatching, venture into the forest to identify native flora and fauna species as well as conduct soil sampling to better understand and protect our ecosystems.
Today, we celebrate the passion, expertise and perseverance of women and girls in science. May more young women feel inspired to step into the field, the lab and the forest. Your work matters, your voice matters, and the future of conservation is stronger because of you! 🪷🌱
...
Forests thrive when the right trees grow in the right place. 🌳
In Malaysia, indigenous communities have protected rainforest ecosystems for generations.
By using native trees and local knowledge, restoration planning supports sustainable livelihoods while restoring forests in ways that truly work. 💚
Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews with the Orang Asli restoration actors of Royal Belum.
#TRCRC
Forests thrive when the right trees grow in the right place. 🌳
In Malaysia, indigenous communities have protected rainforest ecosystems for generations.
By using native trees and local knowledge, restoration planning supports sustainable livelihoods while restoring forests in ways that truly work. 💚
Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews with the Orang Asli restoration actors of Royal Belum.
#TRCRC
...
On January 2026, TRCRC staffs, together with dedicated volunteers, carried out a seed collection session at Rimbun Dahan, a privately protected landscape valued for its mature trees, rich biodiversity, and long-standing commitment to conservation.
Rimbun Dahan is a preferred site for seed collection due to its healthy forest structure and diverse native species, providing high-quality planting material for nursery propagation. This session focused on native tree species, with particular attention to ecologically rare and threatened (ERT) species as well as wild fruit trees, both vital for forest regeneration and wildlife support.
Species collected include:
• 𝘋𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 (Kapur)
• 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘢 (Meranti tembaga)
• 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢 (Balau Sengkawang Air)
• 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢 (Ara)
• 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘫𝘬𝘪𝘪 (Ara)
Seed collection is a crucial part of TRCRC’s ongoing conservation efforts, supporting nursery propagation, safeguarding genetic diversity, and strengthening reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives across degraded landscapes.
Every seed collected is a step toward healthier forests and a more resilient future 🌳💚
On January 2026, TRCRC staffs, together with dedicated volunteers, carried out a seed collection session at Rimbun Dahan, a privately protected landscape valued for its mature trees, rich biodiversity, and long-standing commitment to conservation.
Rimbun Dahan is a preferred site for seed collection due to its healthy forest structure and diverse native species, providing high-quality planting material for nursery propagation. This session focused on native tree species, with particular attention to ecologically rare and threatened (ERT) species as well as wild fruit trees, both vital for forest regeneration and wildlife support.
Species collected include:
• 𝘋𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢 (Kapur)
• 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘢 (Meranti tembaga)
• 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘢 (Balau Sengkawang Air)
• 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘢 (Ara)
• 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘫𝘬𝘪𝘪 (Ara)
Seed collection is a crucial part of TRCRC’s ongoing conservation efforts, supporting nursery propagation, safeguarding genetic diversity, and strengthening reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives across degraded landscapes.
Every seed collected is a step toward healthier forests and a more resilient future 🌳💚
...
From still moments to moving memories 🌿
On 31 January 2025, we captured our Botanical Watercolour Drawing Class & Nursery Tour at Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre in motion with snippets of curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature.
The day began at the Elmina Living Collection Nursery, where TRCRC staff guided participants from the germination beds to the hardening area, sharing insights into native seedlings and TRCRC’s conservation efforts. The walk was filled with curious questions, shared insights, and moments of discovery.
Then it was time to paint ✨
Led by Mrs Athirah, our botanical art session focused on illustrating dipterocarp seeds, a key species in TRCRC’s work. With inspired hands, careful brushstrokes, and beautiful results, each participant left with their artwork and a personalised thank-you note from their art guide.
Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make ERKC a space where nature meets creativity 💚
If you love learning, drawing, and getting a little closer to the forest, come be part of our next session.
We can’t wait to welcome you! 🌱
From still moments to moving memories 🌿
On 31 January 2025, we captured our Botanical Watercolour Drawing Class & Nursery Tour at Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre in motion with snippets of curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature.
The day began at the Elmina Living Collection Nursery, where TRCRC staff guided participants from the germination beds to the hardening area, sharing insights into native seedlings and TRCRC’s conservation efforts. The walk was filled with curious questions, shared insights, and moments of discovery.
Then it was time to paint ✨
Led by Mrs Athirah, our botanical art session focused on illustrating dipterocarp seeds, a key species in TRCRC’s work. With inspired hands, careful brushstrokes, and beautiful results, each participant left with their artwork and a personalised thank-you note from their art guide.
Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make ERKC a space where nature meets creativity 💚
If you love learning, drawing, and getting a little closer to the forest, come be part of our next session.
We can’t wait to welcome you! 🌱
...
A lovely day of art, nature and creativity at the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre.
Our Botanical Watercolor Drawing Class brought together 10 wonderful participants for a relaxed and inspiring session guided by Mrs Athirah, a stay-at-home mom who finds joy in journaling and capturing the beauty of nature through watercolor.
We kicked off with a guided nursery tour, where participants explored native seedlings and turned their observations into watercolor art. The session was filled with curiosity, focus plenty of smiles and we were so encouraged by the positive feedback and enthusiastic participation throughout the class.
If you love slowing down, observing nature and expressing it through art, keep an eye out for our upcoming programmes including nature journaling sessions you won’t want to miss.
See you in the next one!
A lovely day of art, nature and creativity at the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre.
Our Botanical Watercolor Drawing Class brought together 10 wonderful participants for a relaxed and inspiring session guided by Mrs Athirah, a stay-at-home mom who finds joy in journaling and capturing the beauty of nature through watercolor.
We kicked off with a guided nursery tour, where participants explored native seedlings and turned their observations into watercolor art. The session was filled with curiosity, focus plenty of smiles and we were so encouraged by the positive feedback and enthusiastic participation throughout the class.
If you love slowing down, observing nature and expressing it through art, keep an eye out for our upcoming programmes including nature journaling sessions you won’t want to miss.
See you in the next one!
...
On 11 December 2025, TRCRC conducted a Sabah IPLC MyFarmTrees (MFT) Pilot Training with 15 Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IPLC) participants from five communities 🙌, as part of the Seed to Tree project funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN and implemented by TRCRC in partnership with @bioversityciat.
The session delivered important concepts such as biodiversity, seed quality and traceability in restoration to the communities 🌱, followed by MFT introduction and field simulation. MFT is a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) tool that can be used offline, to record GPS data automatically and capture photos in the field.
📝 Through feedback from the pilot training, the IPLCs directly and indirectly co-participate in improving workflows, training approaches, and technical features in MFT.
Curious about how MyFarmTrees works? Check out TRCRC’s YouTube video on Digital Tools for Restoration.
#TRCRC #SeedToTree #ASEANUKGTF #ASEANUK #ThrivingPartnership
On 11 December 2025, TRCRC conducted a Sabah IPLC MyFarmTrees (MFT) Pilot Training with 15 Indigenous Peoples and Local Community (IPLC) participants from five communities 🙌, as part of the Seed to Tree project funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN and implemented by TRCRC in partnership with @bioversityciat.
The session delivered important concepts such as biodiversity, seed quality and traceability in restoration to the communities 🌱, followed by MFT introduction and field simulation. MFT is a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) tool that can be used offline, to record GPS data automatically and capture photos in the field.
📝 Through feedback from the pilot training, the IPLCs directly and indirectly co-participate in improving workflows, training approaches, and technical features in MFT.
Curious about how MyFarmTrees works? Check out TRCRC’s YouTube video on Digital Tools for Restoration.
#TRCRC #SeedToTree #ASEANUKGTF #ASEANUK #ThrivingPartnership
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TRCRC held a Sabah Seed Value Chain Workshop at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sabah on 10 December 2025. This workshop saw 30 restoration practitioners come together. This includes Government agencies, businesses, NGOs and local communities🤝.
The workshop shared the baseline survey insights that highlight the key challenges in seed value chain, sparking open discussions among the stakeholders in Sabah.
🌳Through Merisuli TRLC case study, participants discussed about seed availability, quality, species selection and MRV in local restoration practices. Digital tools MyFarmTrees and DiversityForRestoration were also introduced to support traceability and better restoration decisions.
The session concluded that continuous capacity building, clearer standards and partnerships are the key to improving restoration outcomes in Sabah.
Seed to Tree is funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN and implemented by TRCRC in partnership with @bioversityciat
🤔 Interested to know more about our work? Follow us for upcoming updates.
#TRCRC #SeedToTree #ASEANUKGTF #ASEANUK #ThrivingPartnership
TRCRC held a Sabah Seed Value Chain Workshop at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sabah on 10 December 2025. This workshop saw 30 restoration practitioners come together. This includes Government agencies, businesses, NGOs and local communities🤝.
The workshop shared the baseline survey insights that highlight the key challenges in seed value chain, sparking open discussions among the stakeholders in Sabah.
🌳Through Merisuli TRLC case study, participants discussed about seed availability, quality, species selection and MRV in local restoration practices. Digital tools MyFarmTrees and DiversityForRestoration were also introduced to support traceability and better restoration decisions.
The session concluded that continuous capacity building, clearer standards and partnerships are the key to improving restoration outcomes in Sabah.
Seed to Tree is funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN and implemented by TRCRC in partnership with @bioversityciat
🤔 Interested to know more about our work? Follow us for upcoming updates.
#TRCRC #SeedToTree #ASEANUKGTF #ASEANUK #ThrivingPartnership
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