By V. Sivaji
The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve Symposium (PHBR) 2025 attracted some 120 participants from Indonesia, the Philippines,Brunei and Timor-Leste.
The gathering which was held in conjunction with the 4th anniversary of PHBR’s designation by UNESCO was held at the Bayview Hotel Georgetown here.
Present to launch the event was State Exco for Housing and Environment Dato Seri Sundarajoo Somu.
Also present was Ms Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste and liaison for ASEAN, Allen Tan, Director of Operation Penang Hill Corporations, Shahril Cheah, Assistant GM, Penang Hill Corporation, Prof Dato Dr Aileen Tan, Director, Centre for Mariner and Coastal Studies, USM, Dr Annuar Mohamed, MOTAC Penang Director among others.
In his opening address Sundarajoo expressed that PHBR’s designation has strengthened Penang’s role in international conservation and sustainability dialogues by placing it within UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a global platform dedicated to balancing people and nature.
“This recognition is a source of pride not only for Penang but for all of Malaysia. What makes PHBR truly unique is its combination of both hill and sea landscapes, something few biosphere reserves can claim.
“From the lush ecosystems of Penang Hill to the vibrant marine and coastal areas of Teluk Bahang, the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) and Penang National Park, this interconnected environment serves as a living laboratory where science, education, and community-driven action
come together to generate meaningful, real-world impact,” he said.
He also reminded that protecting its unique ecosystems means protecting our heritage, our culture, and the future of our communities.
Meanwhile, Malaysia has two more UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the country, namely the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in Pahang and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve in Sabah.
These sites are designated under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme to promote sustainable development, conserve biodiversity and foster environmental education and research.