Kinabatangan
The UNESCO's newest bio reserve
Kinabatangan in Sabah has been officially recognised by UNESCO as Malaysia's newest biosphere reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The announcement was made in September 2025 during the MAB Council meeting in Hangzhou, China. This recognition makes Kinabatangan the fourth UNESCO biosphere reserve in Malaysia.
Spanning 413,866 hectares, the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve is home to rich biodiversity, including 127 mammal species, 315 bird species, 100 reptiles, 33 amphibians and more than 3,000 plant species and numerous endemic and endangered species such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Serving as a vital refuge for Borneo's hornbills, the reserve has documented all eight native species, including the Rhinoceros and Helmeted Hornbill. In addition, within the reserve is also home to rare and significant birds such as Storm's Stork, Kingfishers, the Bornean Falconet, Black-and-red Broadbill, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Bornean Crested Fireback and the Blue-headed Pitta.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability praised Sabah's commitment and collaboration with local communities in managing the area. The designation underscores Sabah's commitment to global conservation, sustainable development and the protection of critical biodiversity hotspots.
