The idea of a Magoh UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was initiated many years ago by the Sarawak government, which identified it in a study as one of seven areas that could fulfil the criteria for a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Today, however, the Penan villages in the area are still fighting against deforestation by logging companies. However, this is now set to change with a Magoh biosphere reserve. 96 Penan from 15 villages in the region have drafted a declaration asking the government to propose the area to UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.

The Magoh region covers an area of around 870 square kilometres (larger than the area of Singapore) and connects the existing Gunung Mulu National Park with the Pulong Tau National Park, which was supported by Switzerland at the time. The region consists of valuable primary and secondary rainforests and fulfils an important function as a wildlife corridor. It is home to endangered mammals such as Malayan bears, pangolins and clouded leopards as well as various species of hornbills.