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.

🌿 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! 🪷🌱

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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! 🌱

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