Identifying national benefits of biological diversity

To ensure preservation of the unique biological heritage of a nation for the benefit of present and future generations.

There are twelve "megadiversity" countries in the world which together contain at least 60 percent of the world's known species.

Rich biological resources invariably give rise to a rich cultural heritage of sustainable use amongst the indigenous people of a region, especially those dependent on forests for their livelihood. Evidence of rich cultural heritage related to nature is reflected in traditional handicrafts, the belief and religious systems of local people and their use of plants and animals in the area.

The flora of Malaysia is exceedingly rich and is conservatively estimated to contain about 12,500 species of flowering plants, and more than 1,100 species of ferns and fern allies. Many of these are unique and are found nowhere else in the world.