Forest Habitat Protected, Positive Result for Orangutans and Elephants

Nearly 75,000 acres of forest have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) in the Malaysian state of Sabah, quadrupling the amount of land under FSC certification. 

This certification assures that these Malaysian forest reserves will be managed in a socially and environmentally responsible way, and will:

• Protect endangered wildlife
• Encourage sustainable forest management
• Enhance livelihoods of local communities
• Prohibit illegal deforestation

Wildlife conservation and economic benefits
These newly certified areas are home to the world’s highest density population of the Bornean orangutan as well the Bornean pygmy elephant and the protection of forests is crucial for their survival. The FSC certification also helps establish the foundation for a green economy in the region, providing benefits for both local and international communities.

Government, business, and WWF working together
The certification process was facilitated by Sabah’s Forestry Department with help from WWF’s Global Forest and Trade Network and supported by USAID.  This is a powerful example of how WWF’s collaboration with governments and business can create positive results for forests, wildlife and people.

Learn more
WWF’s work with companies in the Global Forest and Trade Network