Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA): An Important Approach in Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation in Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia has adopted two ways of conserving its biodiversity; species-based and landscape-based approaches. However, there are limitations of these approaches that can be addressed via Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA). Hence, the aim of the study is to review and compare several current conservation approaches in Malaysia with KBA. Systematic literature search was done using a set of keywords in search engine and visited official government websites to obtain relevant documentations on conservation and biodiversity in Malaysia. Based on the findings, KBA is a holistic approach consisting of several biodiversity elements, criteria and themes that can be put in place, including Important Plant Areas (IPA), Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA), Important Fungus Areas and Prime Butterfly Areas. This approach has successfully helped many countries such as the Philippines, Indo-Burma hotspot, Uganda, and Canada identify and prioritize important sites for biodiversity conservation. Thus, KBA approach is an alternative approach to support stakeholders in mainstreaming biodiversity conservation approaches in Malaysia for more effective conservation planning in the future. This approach also offers geographic targets for the expansion of protected area coverage and identifies the site for urgent conservation action.