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Heart of Borneo - Outreach Programme

Community education and conservation initiative in Telupid.

27/06/2024

Conservation in communities

The Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative is a conservation agreement signed by the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It aims to protect Borneo’s rainforests through exploration, research, capacity building and outreach programmes.

This 3-day programme, organised by the Sabah Forestry Department brought together six organisations committed to environmental education and conservation: Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRTRC), Sabah Wildlife Department Sandakan, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) and Orangutan Appeal UK, engaging local communities and school children.

Young girl with her orangutan drawing
A group of young people sitting on the floor working on an activity sheet
5 people standing in front of poster that says heart of Borneo

Two of the days focussed on connecting local communities from six villages with their environment. The other day involved children from seven schools, aiming to educate and inspire them about the natural environment and its conservation.

Each day started with engaging talks and presentations, covering topics such as rainforest conservation, Borneo’s unique wildlife, and sustainable practices. Participants were then invited to take part in the exhibition featuring stands from each organisation, fun games and activities, samples demonstrating the rainforest’s biodiversity, and information about the rainforest and its wild inhabitants.

Our thanks to all the participants for their enthusiastic involvement, to our dedicated team members, Lineker, Rico and Victor for their invaluable contributions and participation, and to the Sabah Forestry Department for inviting us to join this meaningful initiative.

  • Community members playing orangutan puzzle game at Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • Community members looking at fruit samples at Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • Community members looking at samples of fruit from the rainforest that orangutans eat on Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • Samples of fruit from the rainforest that orangutans eat on Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • A team member from the HOB standing in front of a group giving a presentation.
  • Community members smiling and giving thumbs up after completing the orangutan puzzle game on the Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • A group photo of attendants to heart of Borneo event
  • A group of children sat working on a crossword puzzle about orangutans at the Heart of Borneo event
  • A group of children gathered playing the orangutan puzzle game on the Orangutan Appeal UK stall at the Heart of Borneo event
  • three children smiling after completing the orangutan puzzle
  • A child completing a orangutan crossword puzzle
  • Children sat down in row looking forward to a man from HOB giving a presentation
  • A group photo of people attending the Heart Of Borneo outreach event
  • A speaker standing in front of a group of attendees sat
  • A group of women looking at a sample of fruit that orangutans eat.
  • Three children smiling at heart of borneo community event
  • Children gathered around a table trying to complete the orangutan puzzle

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