Rainforest protection scheme moving forward

A rainforest protection scheme which combines the efforts of three countries aiming to stop deforestation is "taking shape", it has been reported.

According to the Malaysia Star newspaper, the Heart of Borneo initiative - which is backed by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei - is preparing to take another step forward.

The scheme aims to conserve a large area of rainforest that covers almost a third of Borneo island.

Borneo has long been the victim of high levels of logging activity and is now the world's third highest producer of greenhouse gases.

This week, meetings have been taking place in Borneo between the leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei to discuss the next steps for the scheme.

Deputy natural resources and environment minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup told the newspaper that "the world at large" could benefit from the project.

"Forests are like the proverbial goose that lays the gold eggs and we must therefore ... protect them," he said.

Written by Sandra Mann.

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