Mongabay · Climate & nature

Logging Threatens Bornean Forest Conservation Project

Indigenous communities in Malaysia's Upper Baram Forest Area report that a planned conservation area is being undermined by an active timber concession, with a new report questioning the legality of the concession and presenting evidence of ongoing logging.

A conservation park intended for Indigenous co-management has been converted into a timber concession, with a report alleging illegal granting and primary forest logging. Civil society groups released the report, "Plundering the Baram Peace Park."

The Upper Baram Forest Area was proposed as the Baram Peace Park, involving Indigenous villages and the Sarawak forest department. A $1.4 million project proposal was submitted to the ITTO in 2021, but a large timber concession was granted in 2024.

The Sarawak forest department states the area was for integrated management, allowing conservation and timber harvesting, and the concession was legally granted. They claim conservation groups lacked community support.

Indigenous rights organizations dispute this, stating communities are aware of threats. Observers documented over 160 logging trucks monthly, with extensive logging in primary forests.

Despite some funders withdrawing, Japan and Sarawak state still have investments. Indigenous representatives express suspicion about ITTO's ongoing projects due to a lack of transparency.

The report details allegations of native customary rights violations. Indigenous residents have attempted blockades and legal challenges, but a review of the concession grant was dismissed by the High Court.

The forest department maintains the court's decision indicates no irregularities, though they acknowledge community frustration. Information about the concession holder is not readily available.

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