Borneo Deforestation as of 2005

Connected Ecosystems Essential for Biodiversity
The State Government of Sabah has made its best effort to balance economic development and biodiversity conservation. It has established networks of protected wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves. About 15% of the total land has been designated some form of protection. However, most of the protected areas are fragmented and isolated by large-scale agricultural developments, which encircle the protected areas, cutting them off from other protected areas.

Biological interaction becomes difficult for plants and animals, and biodiversity declines. Animals like the Borneo Elephant lose their migration routes and find themselves in increasing conflict with people working in plantations.

Ecosystems function in connection with each other via water, wind, plant and animal interaction. Fragmentation disrupts the ecosystems' continuity and integrity. Ecosystem connectivity through water is increasingly disrupted, especially along the Kinabatangan River, a priority conservation habitat.