A severely damaged Malaysian tropical rainforest is being rehabilitated on the island of Borneo. The Malaysian government is striving toward sustainable use of the rainforest and has assigned significant areas as nature conservation area. The project (not a formal conservation area), called INFAPRO, near to Danum Valley, is founded by Face Foundation in cooperation with Sabah Foundation. Within the project severely logged forest is rehabilitation through climber cutting, enrichment line planting and conservation. Over the last years a significant amount of research has been conducted at the nearby Danum Valley Field Centre.

The research and experiences have improved nursery techniques and the rehabilitation method. As soon as the rainforest is recovered it will be managed sustainably. It could then function as a buffer area for the protected area of Danum Valley. The area around Danum valley is becoming an increasingly well-known by eco-tourists from Europe and the US for it’s population of orang-utans. One of the most important tourist attractions is the unique Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a sustainable hotel located in the middle of pristine forest. Furthermore there is a research centre set up by “the Royal Society” in the Danum Valley. Projects are initiated by local people from INFAPRO. This project offers employment for the area in tourism, research and nature conservation.

Key Facts

Furhter reading

A recent study performed by Dr. David Edwards shows promising effects of the Infapro forest rehabilitation project on biodiversity:

The South East Asia Rainforest Research Programme SEARRP) carries out research actvitities, using Infapro data.  SEARRP works from the Danum Valley Field Centre, close to the Infapro project:

http://www.searrp.org/index.cfm