Established in 1964, Kinabalu Park is one of the six parks managed by the Sabah Park System (Malaysia). It is surrounded by 45 villages where 15 800 Dusun people are living. This tribe relies considerably on the natural resources of the forest. Poverty eradication is the objective of several development projects which aim at improving farmer's organisation, developing veterinary and health services, or making handicrafts. The major issues involving the rural communities are listed in this document. The surrounding communities derive direct and indirect benefits from the existence of Kinabalu Park even if some conflicts can occur related for instance to Kinabalu Park boundary. Mutual effort to foster good relationship between the Park and the communities have been developped through experiences such as the Mobile Unit, the Projek Ethnobotani Kinabalu and the Rafflesia Conservation Incentive Scheme. The future of Kinabalu Park depends on research and aid priorities for improving conservation as well as human welfare in order to get a sustainable use of the natural resources of that area.