ASIA Records is proud to officially recognise Pulau Banding Foundation for achieving a significant continental milestone as the:
Highest Species Count Recorded Across Three Biological Domains in a Single Trail Expedition Programme
(1,470 species encompassing Domain Bacteria, Archaea and Eukarya; Banding Trail Adventure 2026; 4.78km trail corridor; 6 sampling points; 67-hour expedition; 18–21 August 2026; 70 academia, experts and volunteers)
This achievement highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Belum-Temengor landscape and Pulau Banding Foundation’s commitment to scientific documentation, ecological research, and long-term conservation.
Revealing Biodiversity Across Three Domains of Life
Through Banding Trail Adventure 2026 (BTA2026), a structured biodiversity expedition was conducted across the 4.78-kilometre Banding Trail, encompassing six sampling points within the ecologically rich Belum-Temengor landscape.
The expedition successfully identified, documented, and verified 1,470 species spanning all three biological domains of life — 545 Bacteria, 2 Archaea, and 923 Eukarya. Based on the IUCN Red List, among the biodiversity recorded were 1 Critically Endangered, 12 Endangered, 32 Vulnerable, and 21 Near Threatened species, underscoring the ecological significance of the landscape and the importance of continued scientific research and conservation.
Integrating Science, Technology and Multi-Sector Expertise
BTA2026 brought together 70 academics, experts, and volunteers for a 67-hour biodiversity expedition, integrating scientific research, conservation, education, and collaborative participation.
Researchers and participants conducted systematic observation, sampling, identification, documentation, and verification across the trail, supported by expertise from government agencies, universities, NGOs, conservation organisations, the corporate sector, and volunteers.
Among the organisations involved were Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe), Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC), and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
The programme also demonstrates how modern technologies can complement traditional field expertise. Remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provide valuable tools for biodiversity monitoring, analysis, and more informed environmental decision-making.
By combining smart sampling, multiple research methods, multidisciplinary expertise, and standardised data, BTA2026 presents a collaborative model for understanding biodiversity more comprehensively and sharing scientific knowledge beyond individual institutions.
From Local Discovery to Wider Biodiversity Knowledge
While BTA2026 is centred on Pulau Banding, the significance of the programme extends beyond a single expedition site.
The findings contribute to Malaysia’s implementation of the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022–2030 and strengthen the scientific knowledge available through the Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS), the country’s Clearing-House Mechanism under the Convention on Biological Diversity, to strengthen the national biodiversity knowledge base.
The programme also supports the broader objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly those concerning scientific and technical cooperation, biodiversity data and knowledge, capacity building, and inclusive participation in biodiversity conservation.
Through this approach, Pulau Banding serves as a living laboratory where biodiversity can be discovered locally, documented systematically, and transformed into knowledge with wider relevance.
BTA2026 was organised by Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe), Belum Rainforest Resort, and Yayasan EMKAY, with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Setia Haruman, and EMKAY Group.
By connecting scientists, institutions, government agencies, corporations, volunteers, and communities, the initiative demonstrates how locally generated biodiversity knowledge can contribute to a wider culture of conservation and environmental stewardship across Asia.
A Milestone Moment of Acknowledgement
The ASIA Records certificate was officially presented on 21 August 2026 at Belum Rainforest Resort (BRR), Pulau Banding, Perak, marking the formal acknowledgement of this continental biodiversity achievement.
The recognition was received on stage by Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abdul Latiff Mohamad, Chairman of Pulau Banding Foundation, together with Dato’ Hjh. Fazwinna Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, Executive Chairman of EMKAY Group.
The presentation was witnessed by YB Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, and YBhg. Datuk Wira Anis Rizana binti Mohd Zainudin, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), reflecting the shared commitment among government, academia, conservation organisations, and the private sector to advancing biodiversity research and environmental stewardship.
Voices of Leadership
Reflecting on the wider significance of BTA2026, YB Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, shared:
“BTA2026 strengthens Malaysia’s knowledge and database on our rich biodiversity. Every species identified and documented contributes to stronger national planning and enables conservation decisions to be guided by scientific evidence.
The programme also demonstrates why collaboration among government, research institutions, the private sector, civil society, and communities is essential. Protecting biodiversity is a shared responsibility, and the knowledge generated here can contribute to both national priorities and our wider environmental commitments.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abdul Latiff Mohamad, Chairman of Pulau Banding Foundation, shared:
“The 1,470 species documented through BTA2026 demonstrate the remarkable biological richness that can be revealed when research, technology, and collaboration come together.
We hope Pulau Banding can continue serving as a platform where biodiversity is studied, understood, and protected, while the knowledge generated here is shared more widely to inspire stronger conservation efforts across Malaysia and Asia.”
About Pulau Banding Foundation
Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) is a Malaysian non-profit and non-political organisation dedicated to scientific research, conservation, eco-tourism, education, and the sustainable development of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest Complex.
The Foundation was established with a vision of maintaining the sustainability of the landscape, environment, and communities within this ecologically significant region while promoting greater scientific and public understanding of tropical rainforest biodiversity.
Its work is guided by the 3P Concept — People, Planet, and Profit — integrating community wellbeing, environmental conservation, and sustainable economic development.
Through research, environmental education, knowledge-sharing, and programmes such as Banding Trail Adventure, Pulau Banding Foundation continues to position the landscape as an important platform for biodiversity discovery, conservation collaboration, and responsible eco-tourism.
For more information, visit:
https://pbf-my.org/
