The Sapong Estate Biodiversity Restoration Project is a collaborative research initiative between Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), supported by Sime Darby Guthrie Plantation. Led by Ts. Dr. Elia Godoong from the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, UMS, the project aims to restore forest biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve ecosystem services within the conservation set-aside (CSA) areas of Sapong Estate, Tenom, Sabah.
Originally conceived at Sandakan Bay, the project was realigned to Sapong Estate and officially began in June 2025, running for 18 months (June 2025–December 2026).
🎯 Project Objectives
Rehabilitate 10–15 hectares of degraded forest and riparian zones. Compare restoration strategies to improve biodiversity and carbon storage. Enhance wildlife habitat and increase food sources for frugivores. Establish a baseline for long-term biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring. Build local capacity by training postgraduate and undergraduate students. Encourage community participation in conservation and restoration activities.
🔬 Research Framework: 9 Active Projects
The programme is structured into four thematic subprojects, involving nine MSc research projects and nine Final Year Projects (FYP). Each project explores different aspects of forest restoration, ecosystem services, and community engagement.
🌿 Lists of the 9 Research Projects
🌿Activities
Elia Godoong 