Kuching: The Sarawak government has strengthened its commitment to tropical biodiversity research and conservation with the official launch of the Bako Research Station, located about 30 kilometres from here, today. The State Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, described the Bako Research Station as more than just a physical facility as it is a vital platform for knowledge exchange, scientific innovation and long-term efforts to protect Sarawak’s rich biodiversity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the station’s impact extends beyond Bako National Park, with its research capabilities set to benefit the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and surrounding communities outside the park’s boundaries. Datuk Len Talif Salleh stated that the research station, a product of strategic collaboration between Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and the SFC, aims to serve as a hub for scientific discovery and environmental stewardship.

‘Findings by researchers and students here can help SFC better manage national parks throughout Sarawak. We must find ways to manage these parks that balance ecosystem preservation with the needs of nearby communities,’ he said. Len Talif also expressed hope that the new research station would serve as a catalyst for broader public understanding and support for conservation, noting that awareness among local communities about the value of national parks remains limited.

He highlighted that the partnership between UNIMAS and SFC is expected to elevate Sarawak’s standing in global biodiversity research and strengthen both institutions’ international profiles. ‘There is a wealth of knowledge here at Bako that we can share with the world. We have achieved notable success in this field, and it’s time to build on that,’ he added.

The Bako Research Station is equipped with research laboratories, field equipment storage, and fully equipped teaching and learning facilities to support both academic and field-based studies.