KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 30 -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has hailed the recognition of Kinabatangan as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, calling it a significant milestone in the state's efforts to preserve its biodiversity on a global level.

The chief minister said that with this globally recognised status, the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve is expected to attract international attention in areas such as research, education, nature-based tourism, and opportunities for global collaboration.

Spanning an area of 413,866 hectares, the reserve is a natural treasure trove stretching 560 kilometres along the Kinabatangan River.

It serves as a vital habitat for 315 bird species, 127 mammal species, and over 1,000 species of vascular p...