On 15 September 2021, a significant milestone was reached as an area spanning 12,481 hectares at the north-western corner of Penang Island was officially designated as the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) under UNESCO’s Man & the Biosphere Programme.
Biosphere Reserves worldwide are renowned for their biodiversity and unique social landscapes, serving as showcases for innovative ways of coexisting with nature.
The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve now joins a prestigious global network comprising 738 sites across 134 countries. With its rich natural habitat hosting over 2,000 flora and 500 fauna species, it stands as a beacon for collaboration in realising the shared vision of harmonious living with nature.
Here are some quick facts about the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR):
- Its the third Biosphere Reserve in Malaysia after Tasik Chini BR in Pahang and Crocker Range BR in Sabah.
- It covers approximately a quarter of the entire Penang Island’s land area
- PHBR comprises of three main ecosystems: forest, coastal and marine
- Despite the name, the PHBR encompasses not only Penang Hill but also the broader landscape surrounding the famous hill
- It includes prominent areas such as Penang National Park, Penang Botanic Gardens, two water dams, six forest reserves and eight water catchment areas.
More about PHBR