This week, wildlife conservationists have been abuzz with the recent discovery of Sumatran rhino evidence in Kalimantan. The shy animal was thought to have been eradicated from the region over 20 years ago. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about biodiversity and forest policy in Borneo Conservationists working to save the Sumatran…
Updates
In Malaysia’s Election, a Focus on Rainforest Graft
As the election for Malaysia’s Prime Minister nears, corruption allegations concerning Chief Ministers Musa and Taib in the two Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak may weaken incumbent PM Najib’s National Front stronghold on the island. Read more from Reuters Read more about Stopping Timber Corruption in Sarawak and Stopping Dam Corruption (Reuters) – The island…
UK’s Ben Fogle Pulls Out Of Sarawak PR Contract – “Horrified” At Corruption Revelations
Television presenter and travel film-maker Ben Fogle of the UK was roped into filming promotional videos for “responsible eco-tourism” in Sarawak by the Sarawak Tourism Board. However, once he learned of the corruption, deforestation, and plight of the indigenous communities in Borneo, Fogle pulled out of his contract. Read more below. Read more from Sarawak…
Villagers Blockade Timber and Palm Oil Company in Belaga, Sarawak
Since November 2012, the affected community of Sambob Longhouse in Sungai Jamutin, Belaga, has been protesting the encroachment to their Native Customary Rights (NCR) and the lost promises of Ekran Sdn. Berhad, a Malaysia logging and palm oil company. Read more below. Read more about Indigenous Land Protection Watch a video about the Struggle for Land…
Conflict Zones Have Higher Deforestation Rates in the Amazon
A new study finds that conflict zones in the Amazon may have higher rates of deforestation. Perhaps these findings could be extrapolated to Borneo, where political struggle and rainforest issues are just as tense. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about forest and climate policy in Borneo Areas in the Amazon,…
NGO Says Malaysian Regulators Should Shut Down Sarawak Companies After Damning Video
Global Witness’s explosive exposé has lead to an international NGO push for the shut down of numerous Sarawak companies. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about Timber Corruption in Sarawak The fallout from a video by Global Witness exposing widespread corruption in Sarawak continues, as the Bruno Manser Fund, a European NGO,…
Monthly Updates to Track APP’s Progress on “No Deforestation” Policy
The Forest Trust (TFT) will produce monthly updates on Indonesian forestry giant APP’s progress to avoid conversion of natural forests and reduce social conflict with local communities. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about forest and climate policy in Borneo The Forest Trust (TFT), the NGO that brokered Asia Pulp & Paper’s…
Ant Communities More Segregated in Palm Oil Plantations Than Rainforest
Research shows that monoculture palm oil plantations threatens the diversity of ant species – an important feature of rainforests. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about Forest and Climate Policy and about Biodiversity Conservation Ants are an important ecological group in both degraded and natural habitats. They interact with many other species…
Corruption in Malaysia Exposed in Undercover Video
A video investigation released this week by international NGO Global Witness documents the corrupt deal-making that occurs behind-the-scenes in Sarawak between Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s family and foreign investors buying land for industries such as palm oil. The video, recorded covertly by a Global Witness investigator posing as a potential investor, reveals just how far…
“No Environmental Issue” In Sarawak Leads to an Open Invitation To Pollute
Shocking lack of concern over polluting industries in Malaysian Borneo are threatening the health of the people and Sarawak’s rainforest environment. Read more below. Read more from Sarawak Report Read more about Borneo Forest and Climate Policy Recent statements from new investors in OM Holdings have exposed the Chief Minister’s shocking lack of concern over…