12 Feb 2007 - Bali, Indonesia – An historic declaration
to conserve the “Heart of Borneo” was officially signed
today between the three Bornean governments – Brunei Darussalam,
Indonesia and Malaysia. The tri-country declaration will
conserve and sustainably manage one of the most important
centres of biological diversity in the world, covering approximately
220,000 square kilometres of equatorial rainforests – almost
a third of the island.
“This is an historic occasion which marks new collaboration
between our three countries,” said MS Kaban, the Indonesian
Minister of Forestry. “This will put the Heart of Borneo
on the world stage as one of the last great blocks of forest
in the world.”
The Heart of Borneo Declaration, signed by ministers from
the three South-east Asian countries at an official ceremony
held in Bali, is a lifeline for Borneo’s rainforests that
are threatened by unsustainable logging, forest fires and
forest conversion for plantations. Since 1996, deforestation
across Indonesia has increased to an average of 2 million
hectares per year and, today, only half of Borneo’s original
forest cover remains.
The declaration also formally ends the plans to create
the world’s largest palm oil plantation in Kalimantan along
Indonesia’s mountainous border with Malaysia. The scheme
– supported by Chinese investments – was expected to cover
an area of 1.8 million hectares and would have had long-lasting,
damaging consequences to the Heart of Borneo.
The island is home to 13 species of primates, 150 species
of reptiles and amphibians, over 350 species of birds, and
around 15,000 species of plants, and continues to be the
source of many new discoveries – more than 50 new species
were discovered last year alone.
“This event is more than symbolic as it represents a commitment
between our three countries to conserve and sustainably
manage the Heart of Borneo,” said Dato Seri Azmi bin Khalid,
Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.
“It has become clear since we started to discuss cooperation
on the vision for the Heart of Borneo that the world outside
our countries is excited by what we are doing and is prepared
to lend us support,” said Pehin Dr Awang Haji Ahmad bin
Haji Jumat, Minister of Brunei Darussalam’s Industry and
Primary Resources.
“Future generations will look back on this occasion and
admire the leadership and courage shown by the three governments
today to conserve the Heart of Borneo,” said James Leape,
WWF International’s Director General. “That three countries
have come together with a shared vision that will promote
sustainable development, protect vital natural resources
and reduce poverty, should be an inspiration to everyone.”
WWF has supported the three governments in their desire
to conserve the Heart of Borneo since the announcement of
their joint intention at the Convention on Biodiversity
in Brazil in March 2006.
“WWF stands ready to assist Borneo’s three governments
in realizing the groundbreaking commitment they have made
today,” added Leape.
Elshinta Marsden, Senior Communications Manager
WWF-Indonesia
Olivier van Bogaert, Senior Press Officer
WWF International
