Rainforest conservation - Sabah, Malaysia
The Kuamut rainforest conservation project is dedicated to protecting 83,381 hectares of critical tropical forest in Sabah, Malaysia. This initiative stands out by fostering natural regeneration, conserving biodiversity corridors, and creating sustainable job opportunities for local communities. Through innovative forest conservation methods and extensive community engagement, the project not only mitigates climate change but also enhances local livelihoods, healthcare and education. By promoting sustainable land use and leveraging advanced scientific approaches, the Kuamut project ensures long-term ecological and social benefits.
)
)
)
)
)
)
Project information
The Kuamut project
The Kuamut rainforest conservation project, located in the Tongod and Kinabatangan Districts of Sabah, in Malaysia, encompasses 83,381 hectares of tropical forest. This area, previously logged and designated for further commercial exploitation, is now protected under a Class I Forest Reserve status. The project, developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, aims to prevent deforestation, promote natural regeneration, and enhance biodiversity conservation.
In addition to its environmental and social benefits, the project aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, promoting responsible consumption, economic growth, and life on land. Through extensive community engagement and adherence to leading carbon standards, the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project sets a benchmark for sustainable land use and long-term ecological and social benefits.
)
Intervention
Forest restoration, improved forest management
Location
Malaysia
Standard
VSC, CCB
Sustainable Goals
Project performance
The Earthly rating
The Earthly rating is the industry-first holistic project assessment. Earthly researchers analyse 106 data points, aggregating information across the three vital pillars of carbon, biodiversity and people. Projects in Earthly's marketplace all exceed a minimum score of 5/10.
){kind=icon}
4,839,740.67
Tonnes of CO2 reduced since the start of the project
75
Rare, Threatened or Endangered species protected
914
People with improved healthcare access
Project impact
Local impact
)
The forest changes observed within and around the project area strongly reflect ongoing agricultural expansion. As can be seen from the image, since the project's inception in 2013 deforestation and forest degradation within the project area have halted. Unfortunately, deforestation still occurs in the wider area. Dataset used: Hansen Global Forest Change (2005-2023) modified
Project area: through time
The project addresses significant deforestation issues in its project area, which previously experienced widespread forest loss. Deforestation is a critical issue in many tropical countries, including Malaysia. Sabah, the second-largest state in Malaysia, has seen an accelerating deforestation rate. A study by Osman et al. (2012) found that Sabah lost half of its intact forest, over 1.85 million hectares, from 1990 to 2008, with an overall deforestation rate of 1.6% per year over those two decades, and that trend continued in neighbouring areas, mostly due to agricultural activities and commercial plantations.
Since the project's inception, deforestation rates in the project area have significantly dropped, thanks to the project’s monitoring and sustainable land management practices.
Positive for people
The project significantly improves local livelihoods and addresses social issues through comprehensive community initiatives. As of 2024, it provides employment for 40 local residents, 50% of whom are women, in activities such as forest patrolling and nursery management, enhancing income and skills.
Healthcare access is improved for 914 people, with special emphasis on women and children, including a dedicated medical transportation boat. The project aims to supply clean piped water to the Kuamut cluster within 18 months, improving health outcomes. Educational support includes scholarships for 100 students, teacher training, and school facility development. Microfinance programs support local businesses, especially women-led enterprises, promoting financial transparency and entrepreneurship.
Sustainable agricultural practices are encouraged, and infrastructure improvements connect villages to markets. Continuous community engagement ensures alignment with local needs, represented by a Community Executive Committee. These efforts foster socio-economic development and sustainable growth in the region.
)
Good for earth
The project addresses key drivers of biodiversity loss in Sabah, Malaysia, through comprehensive forest conservation and community engagement strategies. The project has legally converted 83,381 hectares of land into a Class I Forest Reserve, halting deforestation and promoting natural regeneration.
To tackle illegal logging and poaching, the project has established guard posts, conducted regular patrols, and engaged local communities in monitoring activities. During the monitoring period, 24 people were employed, with eight dedicated to patrolling, significantly reducing anthropogenic disturbances and enhancing forest protection.
Biodiversity conservation is a core focus, with the project protecting critical habitats for 34 rare, threatened, and endangered tree species, along with several endangered fauna, including the Bornean orangutan, Bornean elephant, and helmeted hornbill. The cessation of logging has led to the recovery of wildlife populations and improved conditions for these species to thrive.
How we assess for quality
The Earthly scoring process
)
Project gallery
Project pictures
)
)
)
)