The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ITBC), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), Scotland, to strengthen collaboration in biodiversity research and conservation.
The LoI signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the Know Your Plants: A Hands-on Training Workshop Series, which brought together researchers, academics and students to enhance scientific collaboration between both institutions.
The LoI was signed by Director of ITBC UMS, Associate Professor Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim, while RBGE was represented by Dr. Mark Hughes, Taxonomy Research Leader (Southeast Asia) and Taxonomy and Macroecology Lead.
Earlier, in her officiating speech, Fiffy said the collaboration was not merely a document signing but marked the beginning of a joint effort to advance scientific research, strengthen international networks and safeguard Borneo’s biodiversity heritage.
She said the collaboration was also timely as ITBC celebrates its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of commitment in advancing biodiversity research, conservation efforts and capacity building.
“As ITBC celebrates its 30th anniversary, we reflect with pride on three decades of research, conservation, education and capacity building.
“From discovering new species to science to supporting conservation policy and empowering future researchers, our mission has remained clear: to generate trusted scientific knowledge that benefits Sabah, Malaysia and the world,” she said.
According to her, Borneo is recognised globally as one of Earth’s greatest biodiversity hotspots, yet countless species remain undocumented, highlighting the increasing importance of taxonomy research in conservation efforts.
“Before we can conserve biodiversity, we must first know it.
“Every correctly identified species is another piece of the puzzle that helps us understand, protect and restore our natural heritage,” she said.
She added that the LoI reflects the shared commitment between UMS and RBGE to expand collaboration in postgraduate education, field-based learning, plant systematics, biodiversity research, scientific publication, academic mobility and capacity building.
“We hope that the strategic collaboration between UMS and RBGE would create more opportunities for research, scientific discoveries and knowledge exchange, while elevating Borneo’s biodiversity to the international stage and ensuring its continued preservation for future generations,” she said.
The ceremony also welcomed the participation of RBGE botanical experts, Dr. Zoe Africa Goodwin, who will share their expertise in tropical botany, taxonomy, species discovery and postgraduate researcher training.
Meanwhile, the Know Your Plants: A Hands-on Training Workshop Series provided participants with exposure to the importance of plant taxonomy as a foundation for understanding evolution, ecosystems and biodiversity research, while supporting informed decision-making in conservation efforts.
