Borneo – the very word evokes images of vast tracts of tropical forest teeming with a spectacular variety of animal and plant life.

On Borneo live some of Nature’s most remarkable creations - from the orang-utan to the world’s largest flower, and from the proboscis monkey to tropical pitcher plants. For many of these species Borneo is their last stronghold. Once extinguished there, they will be gone forever. And Borneo is changing rapidly.

The Governments of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, like other Governments around the world, face the challenge of balancing the needs of their people now, with sustainable management of their environment. We have a responsibility to help  so that Borneo’s watersheds and other natural resources can be secured for its people and for the future.

We have before us a fleeting opportunity to work together across countries and across cultures to save the rich tapestry of Borneo’s magnificent forests, and through these efforts the natural systems that sustain all life on this unique tropical island.

Please join with me and others to help save the Heart of Borneo – an irreplaceable jewel of our global heritage.