Pulau banding: The Rainforest Ambassador International Network (RAIN) 2026 programme serves as a platform to build an international network of youth sharing aspirations for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) stated that RAIN 2026 brings together youth participants and representatives from eight countries, including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Yemen, and Nigeria. This gathering aims to provide participants with direct learning experiences in a tropical rainforest environment, allowing them to engage with researchers, biodiversity experts, indigenous communities, and various stakeholders.
Organised by PBF and UMK Tropical Rainforest Research Centre (UMK-TRaCe) in collaboration with several educational institutions, youth organisations, communities, and the private sector, RAIN 2026 took place from August 23 to September 4. Among the co-organisers are AIESEC UM, Yayasan EMKAY, Green Campus UiTM Perak Seri Iskandar Campus, Kolej Casuarina UiTM Selangor Puncak Alam Campus, TRaCe Research and Conservation eXplorers (TREX), Belum Forest Friends, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Center (TRCRC), and Belum Rainforest Resort (BRR).
The programme received additional support from the National Commission for UNESCO Malaysia, Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd, and the EMKAY Group. RAIN 2026 spanned three main locations: TRCRC Elmina, Selangor; Pulau Banding and the Belum-Temengor Rainforest landscape, Gerik; and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Seri Iskandar Campus.
PBF highlighted the initiative's goal to cultivate a new generation of young leaders who are environmentally responsible through immersive learning experiences in the Belum-Temengor Rainforest landscape, a key area for biodiversity and natural heritage. The programme is structured around five main pillars: environment, sustainability, heritage, conservation, and science and technology.
According to PBF, RAIN's approach allows participants to gain practical experience in biodiversity documentation, environmental monitoring, habitat conservation, traditional knowledge, and the application of science and technology in conservation efforts. One of the programme's main activities includes exploring biodiversity in Royal Belum and Pulau Banding, enabling participants to observe the tropical rainforest's flora and fauna closely.
The programme also incorporates social and cultural dimensions through visits and community service activities with the Orang Asli community in Royal Belum and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan RPS Banun, Gerik. RAIN 2026 aligns with UNESCO's priorities in education, science, culture, and youth engagement, particularly through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and experiential learning.
"This programme also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals," stated PBF.
PBF manager Zulfadhlan Ahmad Khushairi expressed that RAIN was developed to inspire a generation of young individuals who understand the importance of rainforests and can act as conservation drivers within their communities and countries. "We want every participant to return as a Rainforest Ambassador, bringing with them knowledge, experience, and a sense of responsibility to protect the rainforest and biodiversity, not only in Malaysia but also in their own countries," he said.
UMK-TRaCe director Dr. Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Karim added that the direct field learning approach offers an experience that conventional learning cannot fully replicate.