Introduction Environmental Education (EE) within the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) has transformed dramatically over the past four decades. What began as sporadic school outreach efforts in the 1980s has evolved into a robust programme, with the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok serving as its cornerstone. Since it began operations in 1997, RDC has grown from a modest awareness hub into a leading platform for conservation education in Sabah. This article explores the journey of EE within SFD, spotlighting key milestones and the pivotal role of RDC in shaping environmental awareness.

First held in 2008, the 4th Malaysian EE Conference made a comeback in 2024 after 12 years.

The official opening of RDC in 1997 marked a turning point for SFD’s EE efforts. Starting as a small interpretive centre with nature trails and exhibits, it quickly became a vital resource for teaching visitors about Sabah’s rainforests. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw RDC ramp up its efforts, introducing teacher training courses and expanding its network with others involved in EE. New additions like the canopy walkway, new trails, and outdoor learning areas made learning more interactive and engaging. During this period, visitor numbers began to increase as school participation grew. SFD also forged partnerships with local and international organisations, weaving topics like sustainable forest management and climate change into its programmes. A landmark achievement came in 2005 with the creation of the Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN), an initiative of RDC. SEEN united agencies and NGOs—such as the Environment Protection Department, WWF Malaysia (Sabah Chapter), Department of Environment, Sabah Education Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, Sabah Parks, and HUTAN—to amplify EE’s impact. Together, they co-organised major events like the Malaysian EE Conference (held in 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2024), the EERace, and school greening programmes like SERASI, LESTARI, and EcoSchool (with WWF Malaysia).

From 2010 to 2020, RDC solidified its status as a leader in EE. Annual reports showed a steady rise in visitors, with thousands of students, educators, and eco-tourists flocking to the centre each year. New events like the Borneo Bird Festival and an expanded SJR Programme diversified its offerings. The digital age brought fresh opportunities, too—interactive exhibits, online campaigns, and virtual resources broadened RDC’s reach. Sustainability became a core focus, aligning programmes with global environmental challenges and encouraging community action. In the early 2010s, RDC launched the Heart of Borneo Roadshow, an outreach effort targeting communities near forest reserves. Reaching about 10 villages and 300 villagers annually, the roadshow partnered with groups like HUTAN, Sabah Wildlife Department, Seratu Atai, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to promote wildlife conservation. These efforts underscored RDC’s commitment to extending EE beyond its walls. RDC also took on a more active role in international collaborations. Since 2005, it has been an organising partner of the Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) Environmental Education Conference, a collaborative initiative with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM). This conference series, hosted in Malaysia, South Africa, Brazil, and the USA, fosters global knowledge exchange in environmental education. RDC played a key role in organizing the BOBW editions in 2015 and 2021, further cementing its position as a leader in EE.