2000 Conservation Projects

Jump forward to see our 2000 rainforest conservation projects in Belize and Borneo.

Belize 2000

BITI

with Belize Indigenous Training Institute

Mayan Elder Centre construction

The expedition built a centre to act as the focal point for Mayan Elders to market their traditional healing and agricultural methods.

The project was carried out on behalf of the Belize Indigenous Training Institute which looks to uphold the traditions and cultures of endemic populations.This project was funded by the British High Commission DFID fund and was opened by The Prime Minister of Belize, Hon Said Musa.

Golden Stream

with Flora and Fauna International

Resource Centre construction

Another large group built a multi-purpose resource centre on the edge of the Golden Stream Protected Corridor on behalf of Fauna and Flora International. This is one of the biggest buildings Trekforce has ever built. The volunteers had to work hard to learn the building skills necessary to complete the task.

The project was funded by the British High Commission and looks to promote responsible eco-tourism training and income generation.

Fireburn and Shipstern

with Programme For Belize

Boardwalk construction and data collection

A small team spent a week building a boardwalk on behalf of Fireburn Village and then spent the rest of the expedition carrying out a habitat survey assessment of an area of rainforest in North Belize, Shipstern reserve.

The task was carried out on behalf of the Programme for Belize. The team was gathering vital biodiversity data in order that a particular area of sub-tropical rainforest could become a wildlife corridor.

Cockscomb

with Belize Audubon Society

Trail Base Camp construction

A group of thirty trekkers built two aesthetic base camps complete with shelters, latrines and a helicopter landing site along the 25 km trail leading to Belize’s most accessible highest point, Victoria Peak.

The project was situated in the middle of the Cockscomb Basin. The project was carried out on behalf of the BAS and looked to support local eco-tourism projects. As a result of the project the trail system within the reserve continues to be protected and the number of people hiking the trail can be sustainably managed, as well as generating an income for the BAS.

La Sierra

with Belize Department of Archaeology

Trail cutting

This project was based around the La Sierra Scientific Research Complex, situated in the middle of some of Belize’s most dramatic jungle. The centre is used by scientists from all over the world to carry out biodiversity studies. The British Army has a troop of Royal Engineers there carrying out important building work. The project itself was on behalf of the main researcher Dr Peter Dunham, Cleveland State University.

The Trekforce group cleared a 25 km trail for scientists in order to extend their area of research into several protected areas.

Borneo 2000

Tabin

with Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Scientist Lodge construction

This expedition had the task of building an eight-bedroom scientists’ lodge on the edge of the Tabin Reserve. The lodge encourages more scientists to visit the reserve as it provides researchers with their own amenities. This, in turn, raises the profile of the reserve and helps to ensure its protected status.

The building was a daunting undertaking for the twenty-strong team. It had eight bedrooms, a kitchen area, a specimen preparation room and an outside latrine with septic tank. During the final days of the project the team had to work well into the night in order to complete the building.

The building was jointly funded by the University of Malaysia, Sabah Wildlife Department and Trekforce. The lodge was officially opened by Sam Manan, the Deputy Director of the Wildlife Department of Sabah, and several local dignitaries from Sandakan and Lahad Datu Forest Departments.

The existence of new accommodation and research facilities within Tabin has already meant that there has been an increase in the number of scientists to the reserve. This situation is sure to continue.