TUI Forest Borneo
On the island of Borneo in South East Asia, dense rainforests are home to countless species of oxygen-producing plants as well as animals. Numerous national parks, such as the Masoraian wetland in the southern Kalimantan region, have become tourist attractions, where visitors can see orangutans and Malayan sun bears.
However, these lush habitats are at risk, with activities including wildlife poaching, illegal logging and land encroachment for private palm oil plantations (outside existing concessions made to companies) all putting their existence at risk.
TUI Forest Borneo protects and restores the Masoraian wetlands. Alongside a reforestation campaign, the project creates jobs and engages the local community to protect this location. A sustainable tourism product also ensures the local population can improve their livelihoods whilst conserving the natural environment.
TUI Forest Borneo plants 200,000 trees solely from native local species in an area covering 125 hectares. The creation of 100 jobs for local people provides local employment, with training to handle all the steps in a reforestation process from seedling preparation, nursery management, land preparation and planting to monitoring and post-planting care. 800 volunteers and staff are involved in restoration activities, including tree planting, maintenance, and monitoring.
During this restoration process, the habitat of at least eight endangered species will be protected, including the orangutan, proboscis monkey and the Malayan sun bear.
The development of a tourism product involves visitors with the conservational efforts and provides additional sources of income for the local communities. Training is provided through the programme to local community members on hospitality, guiding and other skills required for ecotourism activities.
Project Partner
Friends of Nature, People and Forests (FNPF)’s goal is sustainable conservation that balances the needs of Indonesia’s wildlife and environment, with the well-being of local communities. They are a grass roots, front-line, conservation organisation. Their founders and key staff members are Indonesian, primarily veterinarians and qualified environmental scientists. They understand the local culture, situation and challenges and work closely with local communities, customary and cultural groups, government, researchers, volunteers, and the global conservation community. They employ, educate and improve the wellbeing (social & economic) of the local communities in the vicinity of each project. Their mission is to develop and implement best management practices to reach the long-term goal of sustainable conservation by integrating local community wellbeing with the environment.
