Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia

Characterised by its granite slopes, the mountain defines the landscape. Rising majestically above the clouds, it is both a sanctuary of rich biodiversity and a sacred landmark for the area’s indigenous people.

As the glacier retreated from the mountain top, it carried with it fragments of rock which it deposited at the foot of the mountain. Today, this Pinousuk gravel (a type of gravel specific to the area) is evidence of nature’s power to shape even the mightiest of mountains.

From the coast to its highest peaks, the Kinabalu Geopark hosts a rich variety of habitats, its range of altitudes and climates making it a biodiversity hotspot and a key area for conservation and research.

The majority of Borneo’s mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates (many endemic, threatened or vulnerable) are present in the geopark, and include 112 lowland and montane mammal species, 435 species of birds, 67 of snakes, 61 of frogs, 625 of butterflies and 40 of fish.

At sea level, mangrove forests along the coast protect shorelines and provide a home for fish, crabs and migratory birds. Moving inland, the lowland rainforests are filled with towering trees and animals such as orang-utans, hornbills and clouded leopards.

Further up, montane forests with cool, misty conditions support rare orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants and unique animals including the Bornean ferret-badger. At the highest altitudes, harsh conditions allow only tough shrubs, lichens and alpine plants to survive.

Within the boundaries of the geopark, the varying climatic and geological conditions support specific plant and animal life in particular areas, with many of the species being found nowhere else in the world:

The ultramafic (igneous rock) forests of Mount Kinabalu’s smaller neighbour are characterised by stunted plants. The unique soils here, which are rich in heavy metals but low in nutrients, create a harsh environment where only specially-adapted plants can thrive.

This 13 km² forest reserve in the Kinabalu highlands is home to 1,064 plant species, many of which are endemic to Borneo. One of its most peculiar species is the endangered Rafflesia keithii, a giant flower which smells like rotting flesh to attract pollen-transporting flies.

Also present are 71 bird species, such as the endemic Bornean barbet, and a wide range of insects. 16 mammal species have been recorded in the reserve, including the native Northeast Bornean orang-utan, whose resilient diet allows it to survive in harsh forest conditions.

This protected area provides essential resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds like the rare black-faced spoonbill which travel along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. It is also home to a diverse range of native bird species, including the striking black-winged stilt.

Located in the northern part of Sabah, this vital coastal ecosystem is home to an extensive mangrove forest that acts as an important buffer against coastal erosion and which provides crucial breeding grounds for many marine species, as well as being a haven for migratory birds.

Kinabalu is home not just to a vast array of flora and fauna, but also to the communities who have lived in harmony with its landscapes for generations. Peoples such as the Kadazan-Dusun and the Murut preserve their traditions, languages and a deep knowledge of the area.

Their sustainable practices and rich cultural heritage are intricately linked to the geopark’s natural beauty. From traditional farming methods to the use of local plants for medicine, these peoples play a vital role in maintaining the balance between nature and tradition.

The native communities celebrate their cultural heritage and identity through rituals, craftsmanship and vibrant festivals, while also embracing sustainable living and heritage preservation, thus ensuring their traditions continue to thrive in a changing world.

Conservation and education are essential for protecting Kinabalu: efforts focus on preserving forests, rivers and wildlife using sustainable practices, while education through schools, community programs, and ecotourism raises awareness and ensures the future of the geopark.