Bako National Park becomes global-class research hub with new Bako Research Station

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 14: Sarawak has taken a bold step in strengthening biodiversity conservation with the launch of the Bako Research Station at Bako National Park, a global-class scientific research hub established through a strategic collaboration between Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

Located within Bako National Park, the oldest national park in Sarawak, the station is envisioned as a living natural laboratory and a platform for education and scientific training.

“This station will serve as a natural laboratory open to students, lecturers, researchers, and relevant agencies. It provides research opportunities across diverse fields, from ecology and species studies to genetics and conservation.

“For example, students in the field of genomics can conduct wildlife DNA studies more easily, as samples can be collected and processed directly on-site,” said Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh when officiating the Bako Research Centre here today.

He added that undergraduate students will also gain direct experience in field techniques, and the same applies to Master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral researchers, who now have a permanent location for intensive research without having to rely on external laboratories.

“The station gives us an edge in building international partnerships. It can attract overseas institutions to conduct joint research, thereby promoting Sarawak’s rich biodiversity on the global stage.

“Long-term studies, such as behavioural changes in animals due to human disturbance or climate change, can also be conducted here, making the data collected more relevant and accurate,” he said.

Len Talif also noted that the station brings positive economic and educational benefits to surrounding communities, as locals can take part as field guides, interpreters, logistics providers, or participants in science-based community programmes.

“For instance, villages near Bako can become partners in eco-education activities, science-based tourism, or biodiversity village initiatives.”

The minister further stated that the station’s facilities will enable researchers to systematically monitor the impacts of climate change on flora and fauna, and to carry out experiments such as forest regeneration and controlled fire simulations.

“Let us not see it merely as a physical structure, but as a living centre of excellence that continues to grow and contribute meaningfully to knowledge development, environmental conservation, and the advancement of Sarawak,” said Len Talif.

Meanwhile, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said the realisation of the Bako Research Station, the university’s first official research station with efforts to establish it dating back to as early as 1994 during Unimas’ founding years, marks a long-awaited milestone in Sarawak’s research journey.

“This research station plays a vital role in Unimas’ plan to elevate the Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) into a Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) under the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, and to position it as a Biodiversity NEXUS for biodiversity and environmental conservation, not just nationally, but also globally,” he said.

He emphasised that the station’s strategic location supports interdisciplinary research not only in biodiversity and ecosystems, but also in sociocultural fields and sustainable tourism, aligning with Unimas’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, SFC general manager and Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves Abang Arabi Abang Aimran highlighted Bako’s high biodiversity value, citing the presence of endemic and iconic species such as the proboscis monkey, Bornean bearded pig, hornbills, diverse herpetofauna, unique insects, and flora like pitcher plants, which make it an ideal natural laboratory.

“As the agency entrusted with managing Totally Protected Areas and conserving Sarawak’s biodiversity, SFC will continue strengthening its role in supporting scientific research, field education, and community-based conservation.

“The Bako Research Station not only enhances our conservation infrastructure but also opens a new chapter in bringing researchers, students, and the public closer to Sarawak’s invaluable natural treasures,” he said.

The Bako Research Station is equipped with a research laboratory, field equipment storage, and teaching and briefing rooms. It also supports training courses and workshops on research techniques, including insect and bird sampling, mammal and herpetofauna studies, and the use of camera traps and field sensors, enabling direct access to field data.

A press release by Unimas underscored that as the first Unimas-SFC research station, its establishment reflects the strength of strategic collaboration and demonstrates how inter-organisational partnerships can drive sustainable, high-impact efforts toward global sustainability aspirations. — DayakDaily

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