Who we are
Founded in California in 1991, The Borneo Project partners with Indigenous communities in Malaysian Borneo to protect their ancestral lands, livelihoods, and cultures for future generations. Over three decades, we’ve grown into a powerful voice for justice—particularly in Sarawak, where our work is mainly located.
We lead campaigns to end destructive logging in native forests, conduct rigorous research into global supply chains and timber certification systems, and support on-the-ground initiatives that strengthen Indigenous sovereignty. We believe that defending human rights and environmental integrity in Borneo is inseparable from the global struggle for climate justice and a more peaceful, equitable world.
In 2025, The Borneo Project Australia was established as a separate legal entity to reflect our growing focus and international reach. Australia is the largest importer of timber from Sarawak outside of Asia and the Middle East. As one of the only developed countries still purchasing high-risk timber from the region, Australia is a critical site for accountability and action.
To learn more about The Borneo Project’s history and legacy, and to read all the latest campaign updates, head to borneoproject.org.
Projects and Campaigns
Our campaigns support grassroots-led solutions to environmental destruction and cultural erosion—because the people who live in and care for the forest are its best protectors.
Indigenous-Led Forest Protection
We support communities to map, declare, and defend their traditional territories as protected areas. These community-led declarations contribute to a global movement for Indigenous-led conservation.
Climate Justice and Ecosystem Protection
Borneo’s rainforests are vital to the health of our planet—but they are under threat. We work alongside local partners to strengthen community resilience to climate change, monitor illegal logging, and protect some of Sarawak’s last remaining native forests.
Grassroots Advocacy and Policy Reform
Change doesn’t happen overnight—but it does happen from the ground up. Our long-term campaigns have led to major wins: from reforms in timber certification to the cancellation of destructive logging operations. By amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting sustained civil society advocacy, we challenge exploitative industries and build lasting impact.