GENERAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION Universiti Malaysia Sabah or UMS was established in November 1994. Shortly thereafter, the Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), then recognised as a Unit, was formed. The founding of the Institute has allowed for local scientists to work more closely together to explore the diverse and vast centre of natural resource - the Tropical Rain Forest.   
 

 

The Institute for Tropical Biology & Conservation Building
 
[OBJECTIVES] [AT PRESENT] [FUTURE PLANS] [HOW TO WORK CLOSELY WITH ITBC?]
 

OBJECTIVES OF ITBC

  • To be a research and reference centre in the field of tropical biology and     conservation. 
  • To be the node for database for the purpose of management and assessment. 
  • To carry out studies on tropical rain forest and freshwater bodies as well as the  conservation of the organisms and habitats.
  • To provide well trained and skilful manpower in the fields of tropical biology and conservation through long and short term programmes and supervision. 
  • To organize forum (conference, training and workshops) in the field of tropical     biology and conservation.
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DIVISIONS WITHIN ITBC

ITBC has four main divisions:   
  • The Administration and Financial (A&F)
  • The Research and Development Division (R&D) 
  • The Centre for Biodiversity (BORNEENSIS)
  • Information Network (IN)

ITBC AT PRESENT
Four research areas are currently being emphasized; 
  • Biodiversity and Biosystematics  
  • Ecological Process  
  • Advancement of Biodiversity  
  • Nature Tourism.  
The Institute has started collecting specimens of flora and fauna beginning with the expedition to Maliau Basin in May 1996, the Tabin Expedition in 1997, the Klias-Binsulok in 1999 and the Imbak Valley in 2000. These collections are gradually building up as more and more field work are being carried out. 

Places like Trusmadi Range, Keningau, Tenom and Pensiangan have already been targeted by the Institute for its field work visits.  All specimens collected are housed at BORNEENSIS for use by local and international researchers.   

FUTURE PLANS

  • To increase the number of research pertaining to tropical rain forest and conservation.
  • To provide formal and informal skills in the field of biosystematics.
  • To increase the level of awareness among Malaysians on the subject of Biological Diversity and the importance of its conservation.
  • To ensure a sustainable development of the environment and its resources.
  UP

HOW TO WORK CLOSELY WITH ITBC?

  • Become a fellow researcher
  • Contribute your expertise by guiding student researches
  • Joint and co-operate in expeditions and surveys throughout Borneo Island
  • Carry out collaborative research projects.
  • Provide financial support to run projects or to sponsor students conducting research
  • Become a research assistant