International Animal Rescue Indonesia (IAR Indonesia) and government conservation staff rescued orangutans from Borneo rainforest that was being bulldozed to make way for palm oil. IAR Indonesia urges the company, a member of the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), to stop clearing so that further rescue of remaining trapped orangutans risking starvation can…
Updates
Indigenous Communities in Sarawak Express Outrage at Derogatory Remarks – Potential Influence on General Election
Offensive commets made in a recent video expose on land-selling corruption in Malaysian Borneo has provoked reaction from several indigenous community organizations throughout Sarawak. Their solidarity in opposition to the ruling state government could influence the outcomes of the upcoming General Election in Malaysia. Written by Simone Adler, Communications and Events Intern Read more about…
An Insidious Threat to Tropical Forests: Over-Hunting Endangers Tree Species in Asia and Africa
Increased hunting and poaching in our world’s rainforests has decimated many mammal and bird populations. According to two new studies, the loss of these important seed-dispersers is imperiling the very nature of rainforests. Read more below. Read more from Mongabay Read more about forest and climate policy in Borneo A fruit falls to…
Sumatran Rhino Found in Kalimantan After Unseen for Over 20 Years
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…
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. Written by Simone Adler, Communications and Events Intern Read more about Indigenous 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…