Our mission is important to us; Borneo Futures was set up to make a difference. Our key goals are to improve environmental and wildlife management in Borneo and to affect positive change in global environmental conservation. If we fail to be influential, we adapt and change our approach.
We believe in full transparency throughout our operations, fair and equitable policies concerning our staff and clients, and scientifically proven measures of efficacy that guide our work. We are open to criticism and happy to discuss our approaches and thinking, as long as discussions stay civilized and polite.
Some of the key issues surrounding ‘sustainable’ development, revolve around societal questions of what is the ‘right’ thing to do in terms of choices between development and preservation of nature. Such choices often involve trade-offs. A ban on palm oil may be good for orangutans in Borneo and soy farmers in Brazil, but bad for those for whom it is the only affordable oil for their cooking or for smallholders for whom it is the main source of income.
Unfortunately, the world isn’t black and white. Borneo Futures is trying to identify the nuances and find optimum ways to manage resources that benefit society as a whole, and not just company shareholders. Not an easy thing to do when different people have different values.
Borneo Futures works with different land users, including managers of protected areas, the oil palm industry, and rural communities to better understand the circumstances under which these different forms of land management can generate optimal environmental and social outcomes. We work on the ground to develop better wildlife management practices and ensure that land is used with minimal environmental and social impacts.
We have chosen Brunei Darussalam as our base for several reasons. We greatly enjoy working with our Brunei staff, all of whom are excellent Brunei or Malaysia university graduates. We are fully committed to facilitating their career development and capacity building and foresee a future in which our company is fully run by Bruneians. Important also, Bandar Seri Begawan is one of the few cities on Borneo which retains areas of relatively intact lowland and mangrove forest within and close to the city limits, thus, making it possible to walk out of our office and into the rainforest within minutes or see monkeys and eagles from our office window. If only the rest of Borneo had that luxury!
Conducting endless scientific studies is pointless unless we have a real impact that leads to change. Over the years, we have been active in science-based advocacy through newspaper articles, an active social media presence, and engagement with organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), especially through its Primate Specialist Group and Oil Palm Task Force.
Managing Director
Managing Director
Erik Meijaard has been working on the science and practice of tropical conservation since 1992. He has extensive experience designing and managing research programs and working with the private sector on improved environmental management.
Director and Spatial Analyst
Director and Spatial Analyst
With a background in water resources and environmental engineering, Brunei forest fire research and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology, Safwanah initially worked as an Environmental Engineer. She is currently employed as remote sensing and GIS officer at Borneo Futures.
Director and Lead Spatial Analyst
Director and Lead Spatial Analyst
Nabillah has a background in GIS and Remote Sensing, and currently is working as GIS Data Analyst. She works with Borneo Futures as Research Officer to support geospatial analyses. Her research interests include analyses of multi-source geospatial data fusion using GIS and Earth Observation tools for sustainable management of natural resources, LiDAR data processing and information extraction to facilitate decision-making.
Director and Spatial Analyst
Director and Spatial Analyst
With a background in water resources and environmental engineering, Brunei forest fire research and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology, Safwanah initially worked as an Environmental Engineer. She is currently employed as remote sensing and GIS officer at Borneo Futures.
Director and Lead Spatial Analyst
Director and Lead Spatial Analyst
Nabillah has a background in GIS and Remote Sensing, and currently is working as GIS Data Analyst. She works with Borneo Futures as Research Officer to support geospatial analyses. Her research interests include analyses of multi-source geospatial data fusion using GIS and Earth Observation tools for sustainable management of natural resources, LiDAR data processing and information extraction to facilitate decision-making.
GIS Technician
GIS Technician
As a recent graduate in Geography, Environment, and Development with a huge interest in GIS, Muiz currently works as a GIS technician. Possessing a solid academic background, Muiz has developed skills in data manipulation and visualization, facilitating accurate interpretation of spatial data. In his role, he contributes to projects related to land use, aiming to provide valuable insights through GIS tools and support sustainable development initiatives.
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Analyst
Through Thina’s environmental background and experience in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), she assists in a range of research and consultancy projects related to Critical Habitat Assessments, Social and Environmental Impact Assessments, Sustainability Reports, and biodiversity management.
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Analyst
Through Syazwan's experience in geosciences, he has developed a high level of proficiency in research studies and interpretations utilizing advanced data analytics and GIS software, and in conducting laboratory analysis and fieldworks. His research interests includes soil and peat studies.
Biodiversity Research Officer
Biodiversity Research Officer
Graduating with an environmental and life sciences background, his experience as a research assistant encompasses conducting field research surveys, collecting data, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to address ecological questions. His ability to work effectively in diverse teams has allowed him to contribute to comprehensive research projects aimed at understanding and conserving ecosystems. He is passionate about applying scientific knowledge to address environmental challenges and eager to continue making meaningful contributions to ecological research, conservation, and sustainable development.
Lead IT Analyst
Lead IT Analyst
With a dynamic career across Telecommunications, Education, IT, FinTech, and Oil & Gas, she excelled as a Graphic Designer at DST, transitioned to pivotal IT roles with Mindplus Education Sdn Bhd and Excelsior Tuition Centre, and later contributed as a Lead Software Developer at Chynge Sdn Bhd in Singapore's Fintech sector. As a Scrum Master at Brunei Shell Petroleum, in partnership with Shell Global, she played a crucial role in Digitalisation. Since 2019, she has led teams, leveraging her IT and Management expertise. A proud graduate in IT and Management and Technology, she holds a professional achievement with Agile and Jira training from Atlassian
IT Analyst
IT Analyst
Syahmi has a solid computer science background and extensive experience in website development. Beyond website development, Syahmi excels in a diverse range of technical capabilities, including database management and proficiency in programming languages such as R and others. Known for navigating front-end and back-end intricacies effortlessly, He is a continuous learner and collaborative team player who translates technical complexities into clear solutions.
Communications Officer
Communications Officer
With a background in biomedical sciences and infectious disease, as well as experience in both content and technical writing for environmental non-profit organisations, Emily is the lead communications officer and technical writer at Borneo Futures. In addition, she provides research assistance and editorial insight on our projects.
Senior Associate
Senior Associate
Trained as a veterinary surgeon Marc initially worked in conservation breeding programs in Africa and the Middle East before coming to Sabah, Malaysia in 1998, where he has worked since on forest and wildlife management. Marc works closely with Borneo Futures on a number of projects related to orangutan conservation and oil palm management.
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Rona Dennis is a shareholder and member of the company’s board of directors but is not part of the executive team. She provides input as required on strategic planning and independent advice.
Unit 503-505, 5th Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8811, Brunei Darussalam
emeijaard@borneofutures.org
admin@borneofutures.org