Malaysia's Protected Areas Recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks

Strategic Insights -

Malaysia has made a significant breakthrough in environmental conservation by having three of its protected areas recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) by the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) in Langkawi. This achievement adds to the country's reputation in biodiversity conservation and strengthens regional cooperation in technical aspects, research, and sharing of best practices. The recognized areas are the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve in Pahang and Bako National Park and Bukit Lambir National Park in Sarawak.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three protected areas in Malaysia recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks are the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve in Pahang, Bako National Park, and Bukit Lambir National Park in Sarawak.
  • The recognition was reached unanimously during the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) in Langkawi, chaired by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
  • The ASEAN Heritage Park initiative emphasizes the conservation of biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and environmental treasures in the region.
  • The recognition also supports Action 8.5, Target 8, National Biodiversity Policy (DKBK) 2022-2030, to strengthen efforts to obtain recognition of areas of international importance for the conservation of biodiversity.
  • The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) played a crucial role in the collaborative efforts of all parties.
  • This achievement is meaningful in conjunction with Malaysia as the ASEAN Chair 2025 and highlights the country's leadership in the regional biodiversity agenda.

Statistics:

  • Three protected areas in Malaysia have been recognized as ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs).
  • The recognition was achieved at the 18th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18) in Langkawi.
  • The three new sites recognized in Vietnam are Xuan Thuy National Park, Pu Mat National Park, and Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve.
  • ASEAN has a total of five AHP areas, including Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak; Kinabalu National Park, Sabah; National Parks (Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu) in 1984; and Johor Endau Rompin National Park in 2022.
  • The recognition also highlights the collaborative efforts of all parties, including the relevant protected area authorities, namely PERHILITAN and SFC.

Sources:

  • Bernama (no date). "Three Protected Areas Recognised As ASEAN Heritage Parks". Bernama.
  • Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) (no date). "NRES congratulates Malaysia for being awarded ASEAN Heritage Parks". NRES.