The initiative was first proposed by The Habitat Penang Hill (The Habitat) in close collaboration with the Penang State Government in 2016. The State Government subsequently appointed the Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) to take charge of the project on behalf of the State. PHC initiated the application process through a series of preliminary meetings with scientists from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in late 2016 while The Habitat organised two Symposia on Conservation and Canopy Science on Penang Hill in October 2016 and April 2017 together with Dr. Margaret Lowman of the California Academy of Sciences (CAS) and USM. 

Through numerous cycles of meetings, a nomination dossier was finally submitted to UNESCO through the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) in September 2020. The MAB Council officially designated Penang Hill and its surrounding areas as Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve on 15 September 2021.

Penang Hill, proudly with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation under UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme aims to boost local support for economic, social, and environmental planning and awareness.

PHBR covers a total area of 12, 481 hectares (about 25 percent northeast area of Penang Island) and includes the Penang Hill Rainforest, as well as other forested areas on the island.

The natural habitat hosts more than 2,000 flora and over 500 fauna species. PHBR’s species richness resulted from the three major ecosystem types: terrestrial, coastal, and marine.

These ecosystems are surrounded by community farmlands (vegetables and spices) and orchards (fruits), and marine areas that allow low-impact artisanal fishing activities.

The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve is a unique ecosystem and home to a rich and diverse collection of flora and fauna, including many endemic species that can only be found here.

The biosphere reserve is essential for conserving biodiversity and providing ecosystem services such as regulating the climate, protecting watersheds, and preventing soil erosion.

The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve aims to promote sustainable rainforest management for its long-term survival.

The biosphere reserve comprises protected areas, conservation zones, and sustainable land use practices. Local communities actively participate in the management of the reserve and are encouraged to use forest resources sustainably.

PHBR plays a crucial role in both research and education. Local universities and research institutions are encouraged to conduct studies in the reserve to enhance our understanding of the rainforest ecosystem and its conservation needs.

The biosphere reserve also offers education and outreach programs designed to increase public awareness of the importance of rainforest conservation.

PHBR aims to be more than just an initiative to promote sustainable management and conservation of the Penang Hill rainforest and other forested areas on Penang Island. It strives to become a global reference site demonstrating how humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

PHC implements the guiding principles of the Special Area Plan (SAP) through a community engagement strategy with other government agencies and NGOs to effectively raise local awareness and garner support for economic, social, and environmental planning.

The vision of protecting the natural environment, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving its green space, built environment, and cultural heritage through sustainable practices will position PHC as a unique eco-tourism destination.

It fosters entrepreneurship and development among local communities while encouraging tourists to respect the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

PHC aims to safeguard this unique ecosystem for future generations by collaborating with local communities, researchers, and other stakeholders.