WE are among 12 nations blessed with a rich biodiversity. Our tropical forests host a rich mix of flora and fauna.
The insects that thrive within our forest ecosystem are so diverse, yet are mostly unknown.
There are concerns that we are not doing enough to benefit from our biodiversity treasures.
Instead, others are more active in studying and documenting them. This was highlighted at a recent meeting held to deliberate on a project to expand research on the Imbak Canyon forest reserve in Sabah.
The other two major forest areas of Danum Valley and Maliau Basin have been actively researched for many years now. Not many Malaysian scientists are active there. Many are from the United Kingdom and Norway. This is most unfortunate.
The Imbak Canyon Conservation Area comprises 30,000 hectares of undisturbed rainforest in Sabah. Imbak Canyon consists of a 25km-long valley surrounded on three sides by steep sandstone cliffs up to 1,000m high.
Due to its location and shape, it serves as an important catchment area for Sungai Kinabatangan, the longest river in Sabah. Imbak Canyon is rich in plant biodiversity and recognised as a genetic seed bank. Numerous types of carnivorous pitcher plants and orchids are found in the canyon.
This pristine rainforest landscape is an important sanctuary for rare and endangered species, including the Bornean pygmy elephant, clouded leopard, orang utan, proboscis monkey, and more. Over 250 species of birds are found in Imbak, including eight species of hornbill.
The canyon is one of the lesser-known protected areas in Sabah. However, this may change owing to the presence of a study centre there. The RM77 million Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC), completed in 2016, was funded by Petronas and is managed by Yayasan Sabah.
The centre serves as research and training base. Yayasan Sabah envisages the ICSC as becoming an important research centre similar to the well-established Danum Valley Field Centre.
Covering 27 hectares, the centre has an impressive range of facilities, including an office block, accommodation for staff, researchers and visitors, a cafe, laboratory, library, mini-theatre, conference rooms, a nature gallery and an environmental education complex.
Visitor facilities are excellent and include accommodation, a trail system, and plank walkways.
It is common knowledge that managing biodiversity effectively requires a combination of policies, practices and cooperation at local, national and international levels.
Establishing and effectively managing protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves and marine protected areas, is crucial for preserving biodiversity. These areas provide safe habitats for wildlife and plants, helping to conserve threatened and endangered species.
Implementing land-use planning that considers biodiversity conservation is essential. Countries can promote sustainable agriculture, forestry and urban development that minimise the impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Regularly monitoring biodiversity and conducting research on species and ecosystems help policymakers and scientists understand the state of biodiversity, identify threats and develop appropriate conservation strategies.
Raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity among the general public is vital. This is where initiatives like establishing a Natural History Museum is strategic.
Unfortunately, the earlier calls to set up such a centre fell on deaf ears. We must remember that education campaigns can promote sustainable practices and garner support for conservation efforts.
Biodiversity knows no national boundaries, so international cooperation is critical.
Tourism can both support and threaten biodiversity. Promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, such as eco-tourism, can help protect natural areas and contribute to local economies.
Climate change has a significant impact on biodiversity. Combating climate change and adapting to its effects can help protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Over the years, we have lost many biodiversity research talent. Many experienced ones have retired. One idea is to reengage them as mentors for the young ones. Trained taxonomists are a dying breed.
This does not augur well if we are to harness the potential wealth from our rich rainforests. What has become clear is that other countries are more keen than us to uncover the secret treasures.
Unless we invest in research and effectively document the many species, it is unlikely that we can benefit much from our rich biodiversity.
The writer is a professor at the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy, UCSI University
