Rainforest conservation volunteering in Borneo

The rainforests of Borneo have some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They are home to 15,000 species of plants, a vast array of birds and some of the world’s most iconic and endangered mammals - the Sumatran rhino, clouded leopards and pygmy elephants. The rainforests are critically important to the region’s biodiversity, providing essential soil stabilization and carbon storage. But they are under constant threat from unsustainable logging practices and climate change, and there is concern that current forest restoration programs may be having a detrimental impact on biodiversity and ecological systems.

As a volunteer, you will trek deep into the heart of the tropical rainforest to identify and collect plant and animal specimens essential to recording biodiversity. Dipterocarp seedlings, one of the most important canopy tree species in these forests, will be studied closely to measure presence and density. You will also take rainfall measurements and use techniques to assess soil moisture in order to establish the resilience of forest fragments to predicted increases in drought and heavy rainfall caused by climate change. Finding the best way to conserve these rainforests is in all our interests - with your help, we can do it.

Meals and accommodations: In the field, you’ll spend time at the Danum Valley Field Centre and the Malua Base Camp. Accommodation in both field locations is basic, yet comfortable, largely consisting of male and female dormitory-style rooms. At both locations, there are conventional showers and western toilets as well as electric fans and a washing machine. Food will be simple Malaysian style home cooking: steamed rice, vegetables, chicken and/or fish dishes.

About the research area: Borneo is the third largest island in the world and much of it is covered with tropical rainforest. The island’s rainforests have exceptionally rich biodiversity, including 2,500 species of orchid, a plant revered for its beauty and exotic aroma. The rainforests are also home to Borneo’s remaining populations of orang-utan, pygmy elephants and rhino, all threatened by the loss of forests. The specific areas you will work in are among the most important contiguous forests and lowland rainforests in South East Asia.

You will work alongside expert scientists as part of a team with people from all corners of the world, with one thing in common – a commitment to doing something to protect the world's irreplaceable species and habitats. No formal qualifications or experience are required – we will teach you everything you need to know. All you need is enthusiasm and commitment – plus enough money to cover your project contribution and travel to the project's rendezvous.