The Heart Of Borneo Project: conservation, sustainability and community empowerment

Exeter Students

Tim van Berkel and Martin Holland

In 2010 students Martin Holland and Tim van Berkel organised and led an 18-strong expedition to Borneo to document the flora and fauna of Bukit Batikap Nature Reserve, one of the most remote, biodiverse and threatened rainforests on earth.  The quality of the scientific research and pioneering use of interactive communications, through which exciting discoveries were shared in real time with a worldwide audience, brought numerous awards, extensive media coverage, and the accolade of ‘Expedition of the Year’.

The expedition’s work continues through the Heart of Borneo Project, a UK charity focusing on the processes that regulate biodiversity, and empowering local communities to achieve sustainability and conserve biodiversity in their fragile environment.