Today, MNS is the largest membership-based organisation in Malaysia with over 4000 members and 13 branches spread across the country. Evolving from a core group of society volunteers, MNS’ Kuala Lumpur-based headquarters has now a team of 30 dedicated full time staff who see to the day-to-day running of the society’s administration and activities.

We have pioneered conservation in Malaysia for the last seven decades, making a difference through habitat conservation and environmental education. Through the joint efforts of our members, partners and supporters, MNS has become a strong voice for the protection of our country’s natural heritage. We will continue presenting our stand by promoting and ensuring responsible environmental stewardship in this country.

Our Vision:
For Malaysia’s natural heritage and rich biological diversity to be effectively protected, managed and conserved for the benefit and appreciation of all Malaysians.

Our Mission:
To promote the study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia’s natural heritage.

Our Motto:
“Know nature, value nature and act for nature”

Strategic Plan & Guiding principles:

MNS is guided by at 12-year strategic plan which was proposed in 2008 to steer the development of the society and to move it toward fulfilling its vision and mission. Through the strategic plan, MNS stands by these guiding principles:

1) Member-driven: MNS shall always be a member-based and member-driven society, deriving its strength from a committed and active membership.
2) Independent: MNS is a self-governing, non-government and nonpartisan organisation.
3) Non-profit: MNS is a properly constituted and registered Society whose objective is to carry out its mission in the interest of the public without the intent of commercial or monetary profit.
4) Transparency: MNS shall maintain transparency and accountability in all its dealings with members, and external supporters and partners such as funding agencies, sponsors, government agencies, and the public.

KEY MILESTONE

1960s Protection of the Giant Leathery Turtle
One of MNS’ first major successes in conservation was in the 1960s where the project lead by the date Dr. E. Balasingam involved studying the egg laying habits of these turtles. This initiated a landmark turtle egg collection (for conservation) scheme in this country and spurred on the start of the first ever hatchery programme in 1961.

1970s Saving Endau-Rompin Forest
In 1977, extensive logging in the Endau-Rompin area led to MNS partnering with 5 other organisations in taking out a half-page advertisement in a national daily to launch the Save Endau-Rompin National Park campaign. Logging licenses were not renewed after the 1977 concessions expired. 13 years later in 1985, MNS created history by leading the Malaysian Heritage & Scientific Expedition to Endau-Rompin. Rounds of dialogue and advocacy with the state government in the ensuing years culminated in the Johor segment of Endau-Rompin being gazette as a state park in 1993.

1980s Establishment of Kuala Selangor Nature Park
The Kuala Selangor Nature Park or KSNP was established in 1987 as a result of MNS’ successful advocacy against state government who planned to turn the area into a golf course. MNS now manages and runs KSNP on behalf of the Selangor state government. This is the only instance where a park is managed by an NGO for the government in this country.

1990s School Nature Clubs
The School Nature Club (Kelab Pencinta Alam/KPA) was established in 1991 in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Education. What began as a pioneer group of 12 schools in the Klang Valley is now an initiative with a membership of over 350 schools nationwide. The main focus of the KPA programme is to encourage interest, understanding and involvement in environmental and conservation efforts among the school-going generation.

2000-2010s Save Belum-Temengor Campaign
1993 marked a historical year for MNS when His Majesty the Yang Dipertuan Agong IX Sultan Azlan Shah launched the historical year long Malaysian Heritage & Scientific Expedition to Belum, Perak. After 15 years of tireless and continuous advocacy such as signature campaigns and public awareness raising events, the Royal Belum State Park was officially gazette as a totally protected area in May 2007.