How it Started
Regrow Borneo emerged from a long-standing collaboration between the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC), researchers from Cardiff University, and local communities committed to conservation.
Over the past 20 years, DGFC has established a robust research program in conservation, which has evolved to include social science and earth science challenges.
Throughout this time, DGFC scientists formed a strong partnership with KOPEL, a community-based eco-tourism company in Batu Puteh. KOPEL had successfully restored a few hectares of forest in Kaboi Lake, Kaboi Stumping, and Ladang Kinabatangan, gaining valuable experience in forest restoration in the lower Kinabatangan.
A Vision Takes Root
In 2018, during the 10th anniversary of the Danau Girang Field Centre, discussions with KOPEL and Cardiff University academics revealed the potential for a strong, ethical forest restoration project in the Kinabatangan. This led to the launch of a pilot project, Regrow Borneo, in 2019. The initial goal was to restore four sites: Kaboi Lake, Kaboi Stumping, Ladang Kinabatangan, and Laab Swamp. Developed in collaboration with Cardiff University, the project encouraged staff and students to mitigate their carbon footprints from air travel.
The pilot phase in 2019-2020 saw the planting of the first trees in Kaboi Lake and Ladang Kinabatangan. Despite initial setbacks, including a month-long flood and predation by macaques and deer, the trees demonstrated remarkable resilience. By May 2020, many of the trees had resprouted and begun to thrive, proving that restoration in these challenging conditions was possible.
Charting our own path
In late 2020, Regrow Borneo transitioned into an independent charity, separate from Cardiff University. This period coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted our partner organizations due to the loss of ecotourism and academic field trips. These challenges led to the publication of a think piece in The Conversation, reflecting on the difficulties of establishing a new charity during such a tumultuous time.
Growing Stronger
Since 2020, Regrow Borneo has continued to grow, working with various funding partners and overcoming obstacles such as the pandemic and intense flooding. Our efforts have resulted in the development of a healthy forest canopy at our restoration sites. In 2021, a generous donation from Paddy and Sarah Wills enabled us to support our first Regrow Borneo PhD student, Maz, and hire a full-time research assistant.
In 2023, we faced the profound loss of Professor Michael Bruford, a mentor, friend, and champion of global conservation. Mike played a pivotal role in Regrow Borneo through his untiring support for the Danau Girang Field Centre, his long-term research in Borneo, and his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. His generosity of heart and collaborative spirit left an indelible mark on all of us. In his memory, we have dedicated a 10-hectare area of High Conservation Value close to the Danau Girang Field Centre as the Mike Bruford Conservation Area.
This space will serve as a place of conservation and scientific research, with an ongoing campaign to fund the restoration of its first hectare. His legacy continues to inspire us as we nurture the future of Borneo’s forests, ensuring that his vision of sustainability and hope lives on through every tree we plant.