The forest before the border

Royal Belum State Park, located in the northern edge of Perak, Malaysia, spans an area of 1,175 square kilometres. Officially recognized in 2007, the park has been included in Malaysia's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status since 2017. The park is part of a larger forest landscape that extends beyond national borders, connecting ecologically with Temengor and other protected areas in Thailand.

The political boundaries have little impact on the forest's ecosystem, which is governed by geological, indigenous, military, and modern development factors. The forest's ancient age, estimated to be over 130 million years, is often highlighted in tourism brochures, but the scientific proof remains elusive. The forest's power comes from its connection to recent human history, such as the creation of Temengor Lake by a hydroelectric dam in the late 1970s and the construction of the East-West Highway during the communist insurgency in the 1980s.

These developments initially served development and national security objectives but now contribute to the forest's appeal as a sanctuary.

The forest is inhabited by Jahai Orang Asli communities who participate in various conservation projects, including seed collection, native-tree nurseries, and anti-poaching efforts. This human presence challenges the romanticized notion of forests as untouched wilderness, highlighting the complex relationship between human activities and the forest's ecology.

The forest's ecological connections extend beyond Malaysia's borders, with species such as the Malaysian tiger, Asian elephant, and hornbills relying on movement and connections across multiple territories. Conservation efforts must consider these connections and the impact of human decisions on the forest's survival. The forest's name, "Belum," also means "not yet" in Malay, reflecting the ongoing mystery and incompleteness of our understanding of this remarkable ecosystem.