Seed to Tree
Malaysia's tropical rainforests are among the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, providing essential benefits for people, wildlife, and the climate. Seed to Tree: Value Chains and Partnerships for Resilient Restored Forests is a collaborative initiative that strengthens native tree seed supply systems, supports local communities, and advances forest restoration efforts across Malaysia. Funded by the UK Mission to ASEAN through the Green Transition Fund, the project runs from July 2024 to December 2026 and is jointly implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity - CIAT and TRCRC.
Contents
Project Overview
Objectives
Improve the availability of quality seed and seedlings for native tree species.
Improve restoration actors’ capacity to select site-adapted tree species that meet project-specific restoration objectives.
Improve the participation of local communities and indigenous peoples in seed and seedling supply chains.
Key Thematic Areas
Seed Sourcing
The process of collecting seeds from appropriate native plant species and locations. Ensures the right genetic material is used for successful and resilient restoration.
Restoration
Activities aimed at repairing and revitalising degraded ecosystems. Focuses on re-establishing native biodiversity, and ecological functions.
Community Engagement
Involving local communities in planning and implementing restoration efforts. Builds awareness, ownership, and long-term support for conservation initiatives.
Monitoring
The ongoing assessment of restoration progress and ecosystem health. Helps track outcomes, identify issues and improve restoration strategies.
Genetic Diversity
The variety of genetic traits within a species or population. Enhances resilience to environmental changes.
Key Achievements
Community Stories & Field Voices
Community voices have guided the Seed to Tree project since the beginning. Through engagements with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) across Malaysia, TRCRC gathered valuable insights on restoration, livelihoods, and traditional knowledge.
Communities across Selangor, Perak and Sabah that were engaged throughout the STT project include: RPS Air Banun (Kg Semelor, Kg Raba, Kg Desa Ria, Kg Desa Damai, Kg Desa Permai, and others) and Royal Belum (Kg Klewang, Kg Sungai Tiang) in Perak; KAPOK Kinabatangan, KOPEL Kinabatangan, and Kg Tampenau in Sabah; Kg Ulu Kemensah, Kg Bukit Lagong, Ulu Gombak, and Kg Air Kuning in Selangor; communities at Tasik Chini, and others.
These perspectives have helped shape project activities and reinforce a key lesson: successful restoration is not just about restoring forests, but also about recognising local communities as essential partners in shaping a more resilient future.
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
🌿 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐑𝐂𝐑𝐂 🌿
The Youth Conservation Trainee Programme has officially concluded its one-month journey at TRLC-Banun, marking an enriching experience filled with immersive training, hands-on fieldwork, and meaningful conservation activities. Throughout the programme, participants explored a wide range of topics, from GIS applications in restoration planning, soil science for reforestation, camera trap deployment, and seed conservation techniques to experimental design and seed sample preparation. They also gained practical exposure to tropical rainforest ecology through fieldwork on birds, bats, and fungi, while learning about habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation research.
Beyond the classroom, trainees took part in tree planting at Amanjaya Forest Reserve, visited Royal Belum State Park, supported the Community Seedlings Purchase Programme at Kampung Klewang, and joined the Banding Trail Walk organised by Pulau Banding Foundation. The programme also featured a Youth Conservation Career Day with @rimau_ngo , @perakstateparks , @wwfmy , @belumrainforestresort , and TRCRC, providing valuable insights into career pathways in conservation.
TRCRC extends its sincere appreciation to our strategic partners, @pulaubandingfoundation and @trace_umkpbf , for their collaboration and unwavering support in making this programme a success.
Most importantly, this initiative was made possible through the generous and continuous trust and support of @yayasansimedarbyofficial . Their commitment to empowering the next generation of conservation practitioners is manifesting stronger capacity and quality workforce for the conservation industry.
We look forward to seeing the young conservation trainee continue to charting their fruitful journey in July back at Selangor.
📹 Video edited by YCTP Trainee
@alisvx.krz , @1withtheflow , @arieztotle_
#YCTP #Youth #Conservation #PulauBanding #YayasanSimeDarby
Insights from the Field
From the field, the voices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) speak to both challenges and resilience. Their perspectives are captured through direct quotes, offering an authentic glimpse into their daily realities.
Collectively, these narratives highlight efforts to preserve traditional knowledge for future generations, to strengthen livelihoods through community enterprises, and to cultivate local resources while sustaining cultural practices. Underpinning these efforts is a deep respect for forests and their inhabitants, supported by local ecological knowledge that guides planting, monitoring, maintenance, and seed collection activities.
Right Tree, Right Place
Successful forest restoration starts with a simple yet powerful principle—planting the right tree in the right place. Every restoration site is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
That’s why effective restoration requires careful matching, down to the right seed source and site. This gives trees the best possible chance to survive and grow, especially under changing climate conditions. In addition, tools like D4R (Diversity for Restoration) simplify the process by helping users select suitable species based on location, restoration goals, and site characteristics, even recommending seed sources to match future climate conditions.
Importantly, local traditional ecological knowledge also plays a vital role, as Indigenous People and Local Communities (IPLC) bring deep understanding of which species are most likely to succeed in specific landscapes.
Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity refers to the variation of genes within the populations of species. Genetic diversity is crucial for the resilience of the restored populations under changing climate and, therefore, for effective mitigation through carbon sequestration in biomass growth. Follow proper seed sourcing and seed collection practices to ensure genetic diversity in planted forests!
Resources & Knowledge Hub
Restoration Tools
Diversity for Restoration (D4R) is a tool that guides species selection in restoration to suggest the use of genetically diverse and climate-resilient planting materials.
MyFarmTrees is a digital app-based platform enabling full traceability from seed collection to nurseries to tree-planting. Designed for and tested by real communities, it empowers IPLC to collect critical monitoring data on the ground, and can be integrated with e-wallets to support payments for ecosystem services!
Tools for IPLC Seed Suppliers
This contract template, available in English and BM, can be used by IPLC suppliers to engage in equitable commercial partnerships with buyers of forest reproductive material.
This document outlines a participatory business plan development framework can be used by NGOs or state agencies to develop conservation enterprises with IPLCs.
Our Work with Communities
Training slide deck used for our pilot training sessions with IPLC in Perak and Sabah. In this training, we cover theoretical concepts of species and genetic diversity, best practices for seed sourcing and collection, and an introduction to MFT Collector.
Poster targeted at community seed collectors, showing proper seed collection and handling protocols, pricing, and quality criteria
This poster highlights everyday phrases in the Temiar language, plus Temiar names for ecologically important forest animals and seed trees!
A report outlining a rapid field survey protocol that integrates local ecological knowledge to identify healthy seed sources.
This poster explains IPLC roles in the seed value chain in BM.
On the Seed Value Chain
Discover the key findings from our assessments of the restoration and seed sectors in Peninsular Malaysia. These slide decks examine the challenges faced by IPLC and other restoration actors, identify important resource and knowledge gaps, and explore policy and regulatory barriers within the seed value chain. Together, the findings provide practical insights to support more inclusive, effective, and resilient restoration initiatives.
Additional Information
Piloting MyGeoFarm for Monitoring Tree Planting in the Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor (EUBC)
