It will focus on biodiversity conservation and maintaining forest ecosystem integrity through responsible forest governance.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is expected to lead to the restoration of degraded forest lands, habitats and wildlife corridors.

The MoU, which will be in effect for five years, was signed by the Sabah chief conservator of forests Frederick Kugan and WWF-Malaysia’s CEO and executive director Sophia Lim here on Monday.

“With this latest collaboration, we hope to strengthen our existing ties with the state government to achieve lasting conservation solutions,” Lim said in a statement.

Kugan said close collaboration with NGOs and civil societies is the norm but must be tempered with pragmatism.

“WWF-Malaysia has always been an active and valuable partner to the SFD.”

SFD and WWF-Malaysia intend to jointly restore open and degraded forestlands to enhance connectivity and wildlife habitats.