High Conservation Value (HCV)

Natural landscapes, regardless of size, may possess biological, ecological, social or cultural values. HCV areas are areas containing values considered significantly important at the national, regional or global level.

The Group established its Biodiversity and Conservation Unit in 2015. Over the past decade, it has worked with local and international partners, including universities, research institutions and private companies, to advance forest conservation, rehabilitation and biodiversity research. A Technical Advisory Committee provides governance and oversight of the Group’s R&D programmes.

Between 2022 and 2024, researchers from Newcastle University and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) independently conducted camera-trapping studies at Murum Estate to document and monitor wildlife diversity. In addition, through a collaboration with the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF), a comprehensive biodiversity expedition was conducted at Murum Estate covering a broad range of taxonomic groups. These studies have generated scientific data that strengthen the Group’s understanding of biodiversity and support evidence-based conservation and estate management.

The Group’s collaborations with research institutions also facilitate knowledge exchange and improve its understanding of environmental dynamics across its estates. These insights support continuous improvement in estate management practices across both peat and mineral soils, while strengthening the environmental performance and sustainability of the Group’s existing planted areas.