KOTA KINABALU: An integrated habitat restoration project within the Mount Wullersdorf-Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserves on the east coast of Kunak has earned conservators the Ecosystem Restoration Field Verification Certificate.

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The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia and the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) have received a globally recognised certification for their forest restoration work at the Mount Wullersdorf–Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserves. This certification verifies that their on-the-ground restoration efforts meet international standards for sustainability and environmental recovery. The 276-hectare project site is part of a broader strategy to restore and protect Sabah's forest landscapes.

A key objective of the project is to reconnect fragmented forest areas, thereby enhancing ecological connectivity across the landscape. These natural linkages are critical for the movement and survival of endangered wildlife such as orangutans and banteng, allowing them to access food and breeding grounds. Strengthening this connectivity also supports broader ecosystem functions, contributing directly to biodiversity conservation and long-term climate resilience.

The initiative is celebrated as a successful multi-stakeholder collaboration involving government, civil society, and corporate partners like Unilever. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the Living Landscape Approach, which integrates science, community, and sustainability to drive impact. The project affirms a shared commitment to restoring ecological integrity and secures long-term benefits for both nature and people.