Why is Borneo separated?

Why is Borneo separated?

Borneo was a trading port as early as the first millennium AD. The now Malaysian side was colonized by the British and the Indonesian side by the Dutch. During the Second World War the whole island was occupied by Japan. Now, Borneo is split between 3 countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and the small sultanate of Brunei.

Why are forests being cleared in Borneo?

But in the last century, the world’s third-largest island (shared by Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei) has lost a significant portion of its forests to fire, illegal logging and the expansion of palm oil and pulpwood plantations. Oil palm plantations are the main driver of deforestation in Borneo.

Why is the Borneo jungle significant?

The lowlands of Borneo are home to the richest rainforest in the world. The climate provides an ideal growing environment for approximately 10,000 species of plant (more than in the whole continent of Africa).

What is the Heart of Borneo initiative?

The Heart of Borneo is a conservation agreement initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature to protect a 220,000 km² forested region on Borneo island. The agreement was signed by the governments of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia in Bali on 12 February 2007 to support the initiative.

What is so special about Borneo?

Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, being home to an estimated 15,000 different plant species. Borneo is home to the Rafflesia Arnoldii flower; the largest flower in the world. Borneo is thought to be home to around 222 mammals – 44 of which are only found in Borneo.

Who does Borneo belong to?

Covering an area of roughly 287,000 square miles, Borneo is the third-largest island in the world. It is divided into four political regions: Kalimantan belongs to Indonesia; Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysia; a small remaining region comprises the sultanate of Brunei.

What is Borneo doing to stop deforestation?

By replanting areas with native rainforest trees and protecting them from wildfires, we restore critical habitats and reconnect populations of orangutans and other native species.

How much of Borneo has been deforested?

For Borneo Malaysia, the WWF recorded a forest loss of 1.9 million hectares between 2004 to 2017. This is 33 percent out of the 5.9 million hectares of forest loss identified for the whole of Borneo over the same period.

Why are orangutans important to rainforest ecosystems?

They play a vital role in seed dispersal and in maintaining the health of the forest ecosystem, which is important for people and a host of other animals, including tigers, Asian elephants and Sumatran rhinos. So by conserving the orangutan’s habitat, we’re also benefiting local communities and other species.

Is Borneo protected?

The governments of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia (each governs part of the island) made a joint declaration to conserve around 220,000 sq km of rainforest – the “Heart of Borneo” – through a network of protected areas and sustainable forest management.

Why is it important to conserve the Heart of Borneo?

The Heart of Borneo Initiative The aim of the programme is to conserve the biodiversity of the Heart of Borneo for the benefit of the people who rely upon it through a network of protected areas, sustainable management of forests and other sustainable land uses.

When did Borneo become a part of Malaysia?

In the 16 th century, emissaries of Spain and Portugal reached Borneo’s shores. Soon after, the Dutch and British arrived, and it was these two latter nations that held power in Borneo from the 17 th century into the modern era. In 1949, Indonesia became a foreign state, and in 1957, Malaysia gained its independence.

What are the most interesting facts about Borneo?

The Kinabatangan River in Sabah offers the chance for travellers to take a laidback cruise through dense rainforest and spy monkeys, crocodiles and pygmy elephants. There are caves on the island where human habitation has been dated back to 40,000 years.

Which is the best state to visit in Borneo?

Sabah state has the best beaches, with white sands, snorkelling, and islands such as Kapalai, Sipadan, and Lankayan. Borneo is one of the few places in the world where there are only 50 miles between a mountain and a beach, from the base of Mount Kinabalu to the exotic Gaya Island.

Are there any caves on the island of Borneo?

There are caves on the island where human habitation has been dated back to 40,000 years. Niah Caves in Sarawak are a particular hotspot, with archaeologists uncovering human remains and tools from the Pleistocene Era. Borneo is home to one of the largest underground cave chambers in the world. The Sarawak Chamber sits quietly in its immensity.