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.
Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC) hosted a group discussion and introductory session on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), bringing together representatives from conservation organisations to explore the role of nature-related financial disclosures in advancing conservation efforts in Malaysia.
The session featured Mr. Andrew Mitchell, Vice Chair of the TNFD Stewardship Council, who provided insights into the TNFD framework and its role in helping businesses and financial institutions identify, assess, and manage their nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
The discussion brought together representatives from RIMAU, Free Tree Society, ZSL Malaysia, MNS and WCS Malaysia, providing a valuable platform to exchange perspectives and explore opportunities to integrate nature-related considerations into conservation and restoration initiatives.
Through this engagement, representatives explored how the TNFD framework could help bridge the gap between conservation priorities and financial decision-making, while supporting greater collaboration and sustainable outcomes for Malaysia’s natural heritage.
Pada Hari Malaysia yang penuh bermakna ini, kami turun ke lapangan untuk menyiram pokok-pokok tempatan dan menanam pokok kebangsaan kita iaitu pokok Merbau. Langkah kecil yang kita lakukan hari ini menjadi usaha besar dalam memelihara kelestarian hutan demi generasi yang akan datang.
Walaupun dalam keadaan jerebu, kami tetap meneruskan langkah demi kelestarian Bumi yang kita panggil rumah.
Semoga kita terus menanam, melindungi dan menghargai warisan alam semula jadi yang menjadikan Malaysia rumah kita bersama.
Selamat Hari Malaysia, Malaysiaku 🇲🇾🌳
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On this wonderful Malaysia Day, our team goes out on site, watering our native trees and planting our national tree Merbau, nurturing the forests of today for the generations to come.
Every small step we take today contributes to preserving the beauty and biodiversity of our forests for generations to come.
Despite the haze, we continue to care for the land we call home.
May we continue to grow, protect and cherish the natural heritage that makes Malaysia home.
Selamat Hari Malaysia, Malaysiaku 🇲🇾 🌳
At the 8th International Conference on Tropical Resources and Sustainable Science (CTReSS), Dr Maria Wang Mei Hua, collectively contributed from the team at Tropical Rainforest Living Collection Banun (TRLC-Banun) submitted a conference paper titled “Developing a Tropical Rainforest Living Collection to Support Native Tree Conservation and Forest Restoration in Malaysia.”
Dr Maria also delivered an E-Oral Presentation highlighting TRLC-Banun, located within the Amanjaya Forest Reserve of the Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex. Her presentation explored the role of TRLC-Banun in restoring degraded landscapes through the propagation and restoration of suitable habitats for the conservation and recovery of endangered and high-value native tree species.
The paper further explored the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) component, integrating plant conservation, forest restoration, community participation, and sustainable ecotourism within a single management framework. This integrated approach provides a scalable model for strengthening biodiversity conservation while supporting future restoration research and sustainable landscape management in Malaysia.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐢 𝐇𝐮𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐄-𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲! 🏆🌿
We would also like to express our highest appreciation to the UMK Faculty of Earth Science for the sponsored invitation to contribute this paper. Congratulations on the success of the conference!
@officialumk
Full Video Link on Bio 🔗 or Scan QR Code in Image 3️⃣
Do you know about dipterocarp trees?
These special trees have winged seeds, which ride the wind to disperse from their mother tree! They grow into some of the tallest trees in our rainforests, including Menara, the tallest tropical tree in the world! These trees are an essential part of the forest ecosystem, providing fresh air, shelter for animals, and helping to keep the air cool. However, many of them are threatened by land clearing and unsustainable logging. To help save them, TRCRC collects their seeds, grows them in nurseries, then replants them in the forest!
Have you seen a dipterocarp’s unique seeds before? Keep an eye out for them the next time you visit a forest!
Video made by: @cheenteng @ftnabilah_ @pokok_ash #YCTP2026
Special thanks to Yayasan Sime Darby @yayasansimedarbyofficial for their support in making this programme possible.
Every tree comes from a seed and every conservationist has a beginning. 🌱
Through the Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), we had the opportunity to learn and work alongside other conservationists. We got to experience what it means to restore and protect Malaysia’s tropical rainforest.
Our journey has brought us to places that some of us never knew about its existence before. From research centres such as FRIM, MARDI and Rimba Ilmu, to the forests of Royal Belum and Pulau Banding. And each visit offered new lessons and stories.
Along this 3-month journey, we planted trees, cared for seedlings, conducted biodiversity surveys and observations, carried out tree census monitoring and joined seed buyback activities with Orang Asli. All of these brought us closer to one shared goal, which is to conserve and restore our tropical rainforests.
None of these experiences would have been possible without the support of Yayasan Sime Darby @yayasansimedarbyofficial and collaboration with the involved organisations.
If you’ve ever wondered about being part of conservation, have faith and take that leap! You never know how much impact your journey could make.
Video made by: @keruinggg @alisvx.krz @arieztotle_ @papadullah00 #YCTP2026
Last week, we celebrated the graduation of 10 inspiring trainees from the 2026 Youth Conservation Trainee Programme (YCTP), marking the end of an incredible three-month journey of learning, growth, and hands-on conservation experience.
Throughout the programme, our trainees immersed themselves in biodiversity conservation, restoration ecology, and practical fieldwork while building meaningful friendships, valuable skills, and a deeper appreciation for protecting Malaysia’s natural heritage. Their dedication, curiosity, and passion have been truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything they’ve accomplished.
A sincere thank you to everyone who made this journey possible. From our trainers, mentors, and staff to our partners and supporters. Your guidance, encouragement, and commitment have helped shape the next generation of conservationists.
Congratulations to our YCTP 2026 graduates. This may mark the end of the programme, but it is only the beginning of your conservation journey in creating a more sustainable future. We look forward to seeing the positive impact each of you will make.
Special thanks to @biousm for delivering the certified module in biodiversity monitoring and restoration ecology, as our strong partners and supporter since the inaugural batch. In addition, we would also like to extend huge appreciation for @pulaubandingfoundation and @trace_umkpbf as the strategic partners at Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to @yayasansimedarbyofficial for its continued support and unwavering commitment to empowering youth and advancing conservation efforts.
Snakes are often misunderstood, but they play an important role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
This World Snake Day, join us for an evening of learning, discovery and appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Come and explore the world of snakes through engaging activities and educational sharing sessions while discovering why conserving these incredible species matters!
📅 Date: 16 July 2026 (Thursday)
⏰ Time: 7.00 PM – 10.00 PM
📍 Venue: Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC)
Open to the public with limited slots available! Registration is required. Kindly fill in the Google Form to reserve your place 🔗
#WorldSnakeDay2026 #ElminaRainforestKnowledgeCentre #MalaysiaNatureSociety #TRCRC
Last week served as a powerful reminder of what committed collaboration can achieve when young people are given the space to lead, learn and take action.
Representatives from TRCRC joined the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS2026), where more than 1,700 youth participants, 50+ speakers from 37 countries, and 80+ organizations gathered at voco Kuching by IHG from 24–26 June under the theme "Youth: Many Ways, One Planet." Over three days, participants actively exchanged ideas, challenged perspectives, and co-developed practical recommendations on climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, cultural continuity, and sustainable development. 🌱 🌍
Beyond inspiring conversations, RAYS2026 emphasized action. Through the Planet Futures Forum, delegates worked together to develop recommendations that were put forward for collective voting, demonstrating how diverse voices can contribute to shaping future policies and decisions.
TRCRC was honored to contribute to these conversations, with our team sharing experiences in rainforest conservation while highlighting opportunities for youth engagement through initiatives such as the Young Conservationists Training Program (YCTP) and volunteer program. Investing in youth is just as important as investing in our forests, because building a resilient future requires both healthy ecosystems and empowered people. ✨
If you have a voice, let it be heard. Start where you are, however small, and let action be your language, grounded in evidence, sustained through consistency, and strengthened by collaboration. 🤝🤝
#RainforestYouthSummit #YouthManyWaysOnePlanet #YouthForNature #RAYS2026 #trcrc
