by the State causes massive soil erosion which ieopardizes the rivers and drinking water of the indigenous peoples of Sarawak. 17. The Malavsian Government has rejected attempts by the Penan to classify their forests as a protected Biosphere Reserve. An International Biosphere Reserve is a recent addition to categories for Conservation Area Management recognized by the 1984 International Union for the Conservation of Nature and E/CN.4/Sub.2/199O/NGO/22 page 5 Natural Resources (lUCN). The concept originated within the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB), and over the last decade it has become a central feature of MAB. The Penan area qualifies as a protected area under the lUCN. IV. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SUB-COMMISSION 18. Taking the critical situation of the Penan people into consideration. Human Rights Advocates, in conjunction with the Natural Heritage Institute, respectfully urges the Sub-Commission to consider the following recommendat ions: 1. To appoint a special rapporteur to investigate the human rights abuses of the Penan and other tribal peoples from logging the rain forest in Sarawak, Malaysia, and from other forms of environmental degradation; 2. To call upon the Malaysian Government to redress these violations, and to urgently protect the nomadic Penan and their rain forest; and 3. To call upon all nations to support the designation of an International Biosphere Reserve for the protection of the Penan and other indigenous tribes. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the impact of logging and environmental degradation on the indigenous Penan people and their rainforest habitat. The issue is not solely about economic development, as it highlights the human rights abuses and violations of the Penan's way of life. The text also emphasizes the need for environmental protection and conservation, which is not exclusively related to natural resources, but also has implications for the well-being of the indigenous people.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Humanitarian aid and relief