2008 - Afforestation in Sabah/Borneo - Malaysia

Currently we are participating in an afforestation project in the primeval forest of Malaysia. The afforestation is carried out in a "Class 6 - Virgin Jungle Reserve" This is a "No cut" or "0 cut" zone. Thus, the trees remain "for ever"!

The objective is the recreation of the local forest in Sabah/Borneo (in this region, the WWF are also already carrying out afforestation projects) and provides for the survival of 10 species of primate. Such as, for example, the orang-utan and further species of animal and plants. It is contractually regulated that the forest is permanent. There is no wood harvests or similar. The emphasis is on ecotourism as an alternative of income for the locals, as an alternative to the over-use and degradation of the forest.

Relatively few trees per hectare are planted (11 local types), in exchange the ground is cleared of climbing plants and "weeds". Therefore, also other types of trees that are on the ground, or are already there, have the chance to thrive.

High CO₂ absorption. Seen over a time period of 40 years, just short of 14 tons of CO₂ per year and hectare will be absorbed and "converted" to trees.

Project partner locally: American Forests

AF is a large "non-profit" organization that exists since 1875 and has already planted far in excess of 30 Mio. trees (since 1990). Planned for 2008: Further 4 Mio. trees.

The reason why we have decided on the "Jungle from Borneo" is, amongst others, that the CO₂ absorption there is very high. Therefore, our engagement there gives the maximum benefit. The climate gases, such as CO₂, distribute themselves freely in the atmosphere and around the globe, the CO₂ reduction must not be in the immediate vicinity of the CO₂ producer.