Protect the Last Great Forests of Northern Borneo

Help save the Forests of Borneo! For a limited time a generous donor is willing to MATCH YOUR DONATION, $1 for $1! Double your impact and the difference you make to save critical rainforest and its biodiversity!

The rainforests of the Southeast Asian island of Borneo are among the most biodiverse in the world. Unfortunately, the numerous endemic species are at high risk of extinction due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation and expansion of oil palm plantations. This includes the largest remaining population of critically endangered Bornean Orangutans, the Sunda Pangolin, whose numbers have been decimated due to poaching for meat and scales, and the Helmeted Hornbill, hunted for its sought-after casque (a helmet-like structure on the bill). Deforestation of these unprotected forests continues at an alarming rate, exacerbated by the timber and oil palm industries. Until these forests are fully protected, timber harvesting will continue, resulting in further forest degradation, biodiversity losses and increased fire vulnerability.

To combat this threat, the government of Sabah in Borneo has pledged to increase the extent of its protected areas from the current 23 percent to 30 percent, safeguarding 920,000 acres of Bornean rainforest over the next four years. To implement this initiative, the Sabah government has urgently requested high quality analysis on where to strategically create these new protected areas. Rainforest Trust is collaborating with a local partner to generate high-resolution maps that integrate land use with biodiversity information. Data collected from decades of field research and aerial surveys in 2015 will help determine biodiversity levels and land values. These maps will be integrated with information regarding existing forest protection, threats and un-allocated land parcels to generate a new network of protected areas, taking into account the critical need for forest habitat connectivity. The data will identify the most critical and strategic areas to ensure a connected network of protected areas that will greatly benefit species such as Bornean Orangutans, Sunda Pangolins, Helmeted Hornbills, Borneo Pygmy Elephants and Clouded Leopards.

With your help we can save more of the forest. Just $15 protects almost 11 acres.

Rainforest Trust helps to purchase and protect threatened tropical forests and critical habitat for endangered wildlife by partnering with local and community organizations in and around the threatened areas. After we safeguard the endangered land, we empower local people to help protect it by offering them education, training and employment. Through these highly effective partnerships, we can ensure sustainable results necessary for the long-term protection of tropical ecosystems and the wildlife they hold.