| Summary: | In 2020, the Malaysian Nature Society became 80 years old. The society, founded by Oswald Shebbare, the head of Malaya's wildlife authority, is now theoldestenvironmental society in Malaysia. MNS was honoured with the Global 500 Award in 1991 in recognition of its Blueprint for Conservation for Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed network of conservation areas in Malaysia was subsequently incorporated in the Third Malaysia Plan (1976-1980). In recognition of its efforts highlighting Malaysia's unique biodiversity since its founding, MNS was awarded the inaugural Merdeka Award for Environment in 2008 citing especially its work in the Belum - Temengor Forest Complex Conservation Initiative, MNS's relentless persistence, perseverance and consistency in forest protection and nurturing of the country's natural heritage. Behind all these, there are often dramatic stories of last minute attempts at rescue, of farsightedness, extraordinary generosity and a "can do" confidence among its volunteers. There were occasions of lost opportunities too. This MNS 80th anniversary commemorative bookprofiles members' contributions. The Covid 19 2020 to 2022 lockdown provided the impetus for members to reflect and the opportunity for the editors to compile and narrate the story of the society which parallels the birthing of Malaya and later Malaysia and the coming of Age of both the Society and the Country.
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