Support Indigenous forest protection in Borneo

Dear friends,

Community efforts to stand up against logging encroachment in Sarawak have continued in a big way throughout 2022. In July, Samling pulled their machinery out of disputed territory after Indigenous Penan communities filed a police report. They also erected blockades preventing the company from accessing the area. The company encroached into the culturally sensitive Batu Siman mountain zone — a place of deep significance — and were caught logging in forest slated for conservation under the Upper Baram Forest Area project. 

Komeok Joe, head of the Penan organization KERUAN, said: “We really hope that Samling left the area for good this time. The Penan are very committed to implement the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) together with the Sarawak government. We are looking forward to collaboratively protecting our forests.” Read the full story here.

Our founder Joe Lamb wrote a beautiful letter to our donors for our midyear appeal this year, here is a small excerpt: 

"I was at the WISER Conference when Berta Carceras said that the river told her we were going to win, that we were going to stop the Baram Dam. Experts said ours was a fool’s errand. How could Indigenous peoples possibly defeat billion dollar corporations backed by corrupt politicians? 

They were wrong; Berta was right. We won. When the news overflows with violence, corruption, and the destruction of Nature, it’s important to remember that, even against seemingly impossible odds, we do win." Read the full article here. 

We will be back in Borneo this month, working closely with communities to safeguard the largest remaining unprotected area of primary forest left in Sarawak. Thanks to all the new donors who have come on board since our last report, and to those who continue to support our efforts. 

In solidarity,

Jettie.