SANDAKAN: The Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), through its Forest Research Centre (FRC), hosted the 2026 Workshop on the Taxonomic Review of Brackenridgea and Rinorea from Serpentine Areas in Sabah and the Philippines (BRW2026) at the Forest Research Centre recently..
The 2-day event brought together leading botanists and researchers from across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The workshop was primarily organised by Botanickel Sabah Sdn. Bhd., with the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and TANi LAB, UiTM Sabah serving as co-organisers. It focused on resolving taxonomic ambiguities within these two genera by comparing and harmonising herbarium specimens from Sabah and the Philippines.
Dr Guillaume Echevarria, the CTO of Botanickel explained that several significant species that were found during Scientific Exploration of Serpentine Ecology (SESE) which were carried out since 2024 require detailed taxonomic review before further study.
The genera Brackenridgea and Rinorea are of particular interest due to their occurrence in ultramafic (serpentine) soils and their ability to accumulate heavy metals.
These characteristics make them important for ecological restoration, phytoremediation and potential applications in metal farming.
A total of 24 participants attended the workshop, including experts from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, France and the Netherlands.
They represented institutions from the Forest Research Centre, Botanickel Sabah Sdn. Bhd., the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Singapore Botanical Garden, Wageningen University & Research, University of Lorraine, Sabah Parks and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Sabah.
The initiative is conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Sabah Forestry Department and Botanickel Sabah Sdn. Bhd. on collaborative research in metal hyperaccumulation in ultramafic flora.
In the welcoming remarks of the Chief Conservator of Forests, represented by Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Research & Development), Dr Arthur Y.C. Chung, he emphasized the fundamental role of taxonomy in biodiversity conservation.
He noted that accurate species identification underpins effective conservation planning, ecological research and sustainable forest management.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Datuk Zulkifli Suara, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative and the importance of international collaboration in addressing shared biodiversity challenge.
He said, “This workshop reflects Sabah’s continued commitment to advancing scientific knowledge as the foundation of our efforts to protect biodiversity, guided by accuracy, clarity and strong scientific evidence. The diversity of expertise brought together here demonstrates the power of regional and global partnerships that are not only enhancing our understanding of these unique plant groups, but also building a stronger network of scientists dedicated to safeguarding Southeast Asia’s natural heritage.”
Beyond its scientific objectives, BRW2026 also aims to identify research priorities, strengthen institutional linkages and support future collaborative publications and conservation strategies.
The Sabah Forestry Department reaffirmed its commitment to supporting research initiatives that contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of Sabah’s rich and unique plant diversity. For Botanickel, the workshop is one of the activities that reflects their commitment in becoming the point of reference for hyperaccumulative plants on top of conserving the biodiversity.
The workshop concluded with a closing address by Dr Aurélien Buteri, the Chaiman of Botanickel and presentation of souvenirs.
