Dear Friends,
When I joined The Borneo Project over a decade ago, we were a small but determined team—it was just me, an intern, and our dedicated board. Our main partner organization in Sarawak, SAVE Rivers, was run by a handful of volunteers. Our coalition was small, but we were fueled by a daunting threat – the Baram Dam. The dam would have displaced over 20,000 Indigenous people and countless animals, and flooded a massive area of forest. Although many people believed our endeavor to be futile – there was too much money already sunk into the project, and powerful people expected to profit tremendously from its construction – we mounted a truly remarkable campaign that was ultimately victorious.
This journey has shown me that with the right support and strategy, even the smallest team can achieve an extraordinary impact. Central to that strategy is the embodiment of democracy in its most essential form: deeply listening to those who have been historically sidelined.
The challenges to democracy we’re witnessing globally are more than abstract political issues–they have tangible consequences for environmental and social justice. When democratic institutions weaken, environmental protections and human rights often follow suit. Autocratic leadership frequently aligns with dismantling environmental safeguards, silencing Indigenous voices, and prioritizing short-term gain over long-term health and sustainability.
Since those early days of fighting the dam, our work and reach have grown in leaps and bounds. Today, SAVE Rivers has grown into a formidable organization driven by a talented five-person team, and The Borneo Project has recently welcomed a new full-time member. Recognizing the mounting needs on the ground, we have made the decision to rise to the occasion. By expanding our team (see Borneo Wire for details) we are better equipped to meet these challenges. And, we’re relying on your solidarity and support to meet the moment and sustain this growth.
Though we remain relatively small in size, our impact is far-reaching. Our strength is evident in the success of our campaign against timber giant Samling, which gave up two of its prized logging concessions following community opposition, and in the growing number of communities seeking our support. It is also apparent in the timber industry’s attempts to exclude us from EU discussions and in our campaign that forced Samling to drop its lawsuit against SAVE Rivers. This work is democracy in action.
Our work recognizes that environmental protection and democratic principles are inseparable. When we talk about protecting forests, we’re also talking about saving the democratic principles that enable communities to stand up for their environmental rights. Doing this work, I am often reminded of Margaret Mead’s famous quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” I see this play out every year through our work. Communities on the ground have seen that, too – and that’s why more and more Indigenous communities in Sarawak are reaching out to our coalition, looking for support.
While this journey can at times be grueling, it has also been deeply fulfilling. I feel so grateful to work alongside such a wonderful group of people, from our core team and board to our incredible partners in Sarawak and beyond. It’s hard to overstate how much it means to be part of a community that is committed, resilient, and genuinely joyful, even in the face of daunting challenges. We deeply appreciate your role in this community.
Our growth underscores the power and importance of our mission, but it also signals the need for greater support as we approach a critical turning point.
As a member of The Borneo Project, you already understand that our tropical forests are vital for life on Earth, sustaining climate stability and supporting an incredible diversity of species. Strengthening democracy by listening to local communities is the most effective way to safeguard these ecosystems. We’re committed to taking this work to the next level and meeting the growing needs of our campaigns. To do this, our yearly budget must expand significantly, and we need your help in this process.
As we reach this critical stage, our board has stepped up with an incredibly generous $50,000 matching grant. This means that any donation you make today will be doubled, helping us meet our $100,000 end-of-year fundraising goal. Your support now has twice the impact. It will make a transformative difference. Thank you for standing with us during this pivotal moment.
With deep gratitude,
Jettie