Malaysia Secures USD 5.5 Million for Ulu Jelai–Fraser's Hill Conservation Project

Malaysia has secured approximately USD 5.5 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscape management in the Ulu Jelai–Fraser's Hill watershed. The five-year initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Malaysia and is scheduled to run from 2028 to 2032. The project aims to protect 70,000 hectares within Fraser's Hill State Park while restoring more than 7,500 hectares of forests and riparian corridors to improve wildlife connectivity. It will adopt an Integrated Landscape Management approach across the 250,000-hectare watershed, strengthening spatial planning, ecological corridor protection and habitat conservation in one of Malaysia's most significant biodiversity landscapes. The initiative also places strong emphasis on community participation by supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities and reducing human–wildlife conflict. Around 35,000 people, including Orang Asli communities living within the watershed, are expected to benefit from improved conservation management, community enterprises and ecosystem restoration activities. The project reflects Malaysia's continued commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development through partnerships with international organisations. By integrating conservation planning with community development, the initiative seeks to strengthen ecosystem resilience, safeguard critical habitats and promote long-term environmental sustainability while supporting local livelihoods.