IT WAS in October 2016 when the first tentative steps were taken to obtain the Unesco Biosphere Reserve (UBR) status and recognition for Penang Island under Unesco's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, according to Reza Cockrell, co-founder of The Habitat.
Its catalyst was in fact a symposium that discussed the importance of conserving Penang Hill's rainforests, organised by The Habitat and its partners, the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), the California Academy of Sciences and Tree Foundation. The event received wide press coverage, which roused keen public enthusiasm and support.
But the idea did not crystalise until the Penang State Government lent its support, through the appointment of Dato' Cheok Lay Leng, general manager of the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC), as the State's official representative and project manager for the UBR nomination.
