By Jettie Word | Director
Dear friends,
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, The Borneo Project remains steadfast in our mission to protect Sarawak’s forests and communities. Here are our January updates:
Waters of Resilience: Indigenous Action from California to Borneo
This month, we’re thrilled to share "Waters of Resilience," a short film (3 minutes) that captures our journey to the Klamath River, where we joined the Yurok Tribe and EPIC (Environmental Protection Information Center) to witness the historic removal of four dams—the largest river restoration effort in U.S. history.
In the film, Celine Lim, Managing Director of SAVE Rivers, reflects on the transformative results of a decades-long campaign and its parallels to our work in Sarawak, where proposed dams near Gunung Mulu National Park pose a serious threat to fragile ecosystems and Indigenous lands.
Together with SAVE Rivers, we continue to amplify community voices and advocate for the protection of sacred waters—from the Klamath to the Tutoh. Watch the video here and see how Indigenous-led efforts are making waves in river protection worldwide!
The Promise of ‘No Deforestation’: Sarawak’s Forests Tell a Different Story
In Sarawak’s Belaga region, Indigenous Kenyah and Penan communities are fighting to protect their remaining forests from destruction caused by the Urun Plantation. Despite the company’s failure to meet the terms of its lease, clearing operations have encroached into Native Customary Rights lands, devastating ecosystems and livelihoods.
Our latest op-ed in Malaysiakini highlights the dire consequences of this unchecked deforestation. For residents of Long Urun, the relentless sound of falling trees has become a haunting daily reality—one they describe as "the sound of death." One of the most important things we do at the Borneo Project is consistently monitor and respond to community alarms about deforestation.
This story underscores the urgency of our advocacy for stricter forest protections and corporate accountability. With global forest cover diminishing and Indigenous rights at risk, we remain committed to safeguarding Sarawak’s forests and communities. Read the article here.
Strategizing for Sarawak’s Future
In December, we gathered with our partners from SAVE Rivers for a strategy retreat in Kuching to reflect on our progress and map out our future goals. Key campaigns, like the Baram Peace Park, took center stage as we worked together to strengthen our approach to Indigenous-led conservation.
The retreat was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish through collaboration and determination. As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to continue our work to protect Sarawak’s forests, rivers, and the communities who call them home.
Thank you for standing with us!
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