Borneo forestry industry resources

Sales of timber and other forest products from the Heart of Borneo have contributed to economic growth, helping to lift many households out of poverty.

However, this valuable resource is declining. A new model of sustainable forest use is required to ensure that companies and the governments of Borneo can continue to rely on their forest resources to provide revenue without reducing the potential for future growth.
 
A road carved out of the rainforest for the transport of logs out of a logging camp. Kalimantan. / ©: WWF / Rob WEBSTER
A road carved out of the rainforest for the transport of logs out of a logging camp. Kalimantan.
© WWF / Rob WEBSTER

What can I do?

You have a role to play regardless of where you are in the timber value chain.

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What’s the context?

Plantation area is increasing across Borneo to meet the growing demand for timber, and fibre for paper mills. It is essential that the expansion of mill capacity is matched by commensurate increases in sustainable plantations.

Decreased availability of natural sources of timber puts increasing pressure on remaining forests. To ensure that forestry activities do not compromise the governments’ vision for the Heart of Borneo, it is important that they are sustainably managed.

Critically, to ensure supply meets demand without putting pressure on high conservation value forests, plantations need to be planned, sustainably located and planted long before pulp mills are constructed.

Several forestry companies are pursuing sustainable practices and moving towards FSC certification.

However, progress towards certification can be slow, in some cases limited by conflicting state and national regulations, or by uncertain long term tenure.

The good intentions of governments and companies increasingly interested in sustainable forest management are threatened by illegal forestry, despite a decline in this activity. International agreements are also pushing for greater control of the forest value chain.
/ ©: WWF
[click to expand the map] Map of timber concessions in the Heart of Borneo
© WWF

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Ed Norton speaks up for forests

  • The Green Business Network is the gateway to new environmental solutions for your business in the Heart of Borneo.

    Make green your new business direction and become part of a sustainable solution for the Heart of Borneo—Asia’s largest remaining stand of natural rainforest. Start here ►

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