We have a long-term project studying reforestation in some of the most damaged rainforests of Borneo. Our research focuses on identifying the best tree species for replanting and optimal light, water and nutrient conditions for survival and growth.
We have set up ‘Community Seedling Nurseries’ groups in Sebangau, Palangka Raya. The main objective of seedling nurseries is to supply and grow the seedlings for planting in specific rehabilitation areas of Sebangau National Park, which provides direct economic benefits as the seedlings are purchased by BNF.
In addition, this program will help educate the community to jointly protect the future of the peat-swamp forest ecosystem. The results from our research feed back into our seedling nursery and replanting protocols to ensure ongoing improvements and increased success of our efforts to reverse the deforestation of Borneo’s tropical rainforests.
Our reforestation progress
Our Community Nurseries scheme focusses on empowering local people to restore their forests whilst providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and improving economic prospects. We provide training, resources, and ongoing support to communities who build and manage the nurseries on their own land. We then buy back the seedlings when they are ready to plant, providing additional income for families, and community nursery members are involved in all stages of the process, from growing to replanting. This initiative has served to engage local communities in rainforest conservation, increase awareness and encourage individual responsibility for reforestation of local habitats and preservation of natural heritage. We create jobs, promote a small-scale green economy, and use local knowledge and skills in furthering our reforestation objectives.
Innovative Technology
Since 2017, we have been using drones to carry out aerial surveys of our reforestation sites to determine the best place to plant trees and monitor the growth of seedlings and saplings. As part of our ‘One Million Trees’ project, we are investigating methods to disperse seeds over large areas using a plane, helicopter or drone flying over the target area.
Youth Education
We provide opportunities for young people to join reforestation activities through our local and international education programmes. Students are provided with hands-on experiences assisting our team with replanting in degraded areas of the forest as well as receiving lessons on how to save the rainforest.
We aim to grow, plant, monitor and protect 1,000,000 trees in the specific rehabilitation areas of Sebangau National Park by 2025!
Borneo Nature Foundation is a not-for-profit conservation organisation. We work to protect some of the most important areas of tropical rainforest and to safeguard the wildlife, environment and indigenous culture on Borneo.