Heart of Borneo (HoB)

There is one important place remaining in Southeast Asia where tropical rainforests can still be conserved on a very large scale, a place where endangered species such as orang-utans, elephants and rhinos, and countless other undiscovered species continue to thrive. This is the Heart of Borneo.

The Heart of Borneo is positioned within the borders of the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Indoensia Malaysia Philipine, East ASEAN Growth Area), straddling the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Within the Indonesian border lies the mountainous interior mainly inhabited by Dayak communities, and still largely covered with tropical forest and a mosaic of human-shaped agricultural landscapes. This area has already established itself as a new frontier for tourism development, especially ecotourism.

WWF:Our Approach to Ecotourism in the Heart of Borneo

The ecotourism pilot project areas described below have great ecotourism  potential in the long term. The beauty of the landscape, natural attractions, archaeological remains,  rich cultural traditions, and the generous hospitality of local people constitute exceptional conditions   for an unforgettable ecotourism experience.

Working with communities, WWF-Indonesia and the field teams in Betung Kerihun National Park and Kayan Mentarang National Park have gradually built local capacity to manage a community-based ecotourism enterprise. Activities have included: capacity building; marketing/promotion; developing homestay system; arranging cross-visits; and /customer care among others.

An important aspect of our work, especially in Kayan Mentarang, has been to create strategic networks with communities and ecotourism initiatives across the border with Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah), in the Heart of Borneo area. The WWF Kayan Mentarang National Park project has also supported exchanges and cross-training in technical issues and community entrepreneurship in ecotourism.

Fore more info about Borneo ecotourism, visit www.borneo-ecotourism.com/