Borneo and the Environment

In recent years the environmental challenges in Borneo, most notably deforestation, have been the focus of significant global attention. Economic development and social and political change have led to considerable damage to the rich and diverse ecosystems of the island. Resource demand for timber and a range of agricultural and mineral products, high rates of both population growth and continued political and social pressures in the region have resulted in a range of environmental challenges and management concerns. In this book the authors examine the environmental, ethnic, social and political context of current development issues on the island. After outlining the key facets of the physical and human environment of Borneo, they review the main environmental issues faced by governments and NGOs. These include deforestation and logging, non-timber resources, forest fires and haze and the effects of urbanisation and population migration. The responses of the three political constituencies on the island (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam) are explored, as well as important pan-island, regional and global initiatives to manage and maintain the environments of the island.