The Konexer is a portal that (KONEX) connects with extraordinary people and programs, aspired to inspire for a deeper connection with Nature through better understanding of our natural world.
Background
In 2016, the IUCN ‘s Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) and World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) conceived of and implemented #NatureForAll. This IUCN’s global movement is founded on a simple idea: the more people experience, connect with, and share their love for nature, the more support there will be for its conservation in the future.
Therefore, the Konexer aspires to support #NatureForAll by featuring people and programs that strive to reconnect people with Nature in their own unique way. Above all, the synergy between these extraordinary people and programs results in some unique nature experiences: exploration, expedition, educational field trips, and eco-tourism or eco-adventure that help you better understand Mother Nature.
At the same time, we aspires to the eco-education of indigenous communities so that they can better protect their native ecosystems. Sustainable businesses like eco-tourism, permaculture, and agroforestry, will improve their economy while preserving nature that shaped their very own culture.
So, join our quest to inspire for a deeper connection with Nature. This will ultimately help conserve species, ecosystems, and our very own future on planet Earth.
At the moment, the Konexer survives only on its founder‘s personal fund, mainly from consulting on and organizing (very occasional) nature explorations and surveys. Therefore, we appreciate any form of contribution or support to help sustain and enhance our:
website – cash and time for server maintenance, research and writing, content creation and promotion (via partnership / internship)
research for education – cash, expertise, and equipment to improve understanding of ecosystems, that helps improve livelihood of native communities (via ecotourism, permaculture, agroforestry, etc.) and ultimately conservation:
sensors & used DSLR as automated photo traps;
used action cameras for documentation and wildlife survey (e.g. GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, etc.);
used weatherproof smartphones as wildlife CCTV and mapping device;
We look forward to hear from you and chat about how you might help us, be it financially or technically, to inspire for a deeper connection with Nature. To contribute, supporters in Malaysia and Singapore may use banking facilities while friends from overseas may consider (Transfer)Wise. If you have stuff to give, we always appreciate the opportunity to meet and catch up in person 🙂
You may not need to get yourself dirty to be deeply connected with Nature, or rooted in Earth.. You only need to support our works by donating or joining our activities (well, some of which can really get you muddy..).Small in size, BIG in heart: it is important to inculcate in our children the love for Nature, from as young as possible.
Indigenous and community conserved areas (ICCAs): natural and/or modified ecosystems containing significant biodiversity values, ecological services and cultural values, voluntarily conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities, both sedentary and mobile, through customary laws or other effective means (IUCN 2010).
Indigenous and community conserved areas may serve as important buffer to critical conservation area of international status – in this case Maragang Hill Reserve for Kinabalu Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Indigenous and community conserved areas as wildlife sanctuaries
It is one of our visions that more community-owned ecosystems can be conserved through synergistic collaboration, started with our founder‘s mission of enhancing community initiatives for conservation with science. These places, despite being smaller and/or more fragmented compared with governmental conservation areas, may still harbour some important species and require even more attention because of their socio-economic and ownership situation.
We are currently working with the following communities, and welcome you to visit and support:
To see a clouded leopard in the wild, the best chance is to join a wildlife safari to Deramakot in the Heart of Sabah. Deramakot Forest Reserve (DFR), is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), and a model forest for best forest management practices. It is also the longest certified tropical rainforest in the world, under the Forest Stewardship Council standard.
Wildlife Safari in Deramakot with Naturalists
The Bornean clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), the largest cat of Borneo, can be seen most likely during night drive, but if you are really lucky, you might even see one during day time:A beautiful individual sighted near Deramakot Forestry Complex. Photo: Tam Y.C.
Rich diversity in a well-managed forest
Thanks to its 40-year harvest cycle, the forest is a mosaic of different habitats with varying disturbance history. These diverse habitats provide opportunities for different type of flora and fauna to flourish. While the pioneer plants occupy recently-logged area, climax species dominate the old growth. This in turns provides a variety of food and space for animals, from smallest of insects to the biggest of mammals. For example, the elephants and banteng would favor grassy area created by recent logging, and apex predators like the clouded leopards happily feast on the abundant small mammals.
As a result, research and nature tourism is now a key activity in the reserve. The 70-km main road of DFR, is probably the best place in the world to see a Bornean clouded leopard in the wild. A drive along this road also provides good chance to see the Bornean pygmy elephants and orangutan. Gibbons and hornbills can be heard and seen frequently. So are the flying squirrels, civets, mouse deers, and slow loris during night safari.
Bornean pygmy elephant can be seen mostly feeding in groups led by mothers, sometimes blocking the whole road. Photo: You C.W.Orangutan generally likes to “hang” out in the trees – but you have a fair chance of seeing one on the ground, or crossing the road in Borneo. Those orangutan living alongside tiger in Sumatra, are almost strictly arboreal. Photo: You C.W.
Visiting Deramakot
Having driven into DFR for quite a few times, we recommend a stay of at least three nights. Of course, the more day the better, to maximize one’s chance of seeing the elusive leopard (and other rare animals). The reserve is about 170km from Sandakan, with the last 70km unpaved (some in logging condition). Therefore, a 4WD with good tyres is a must for any visit. Main accommodation option is the dormitory (double decker) at the forestry complex. But some might appreciate the tranquility of camping by the clear water Kun-Kun river, just outside the reserve entrance. Regardless of where we stay, most likely we will be cooking for ourselves.
The ultramafic substrate of central Sabah gives birth to many clear water streams, like this Sungai Kun-Kun in Tangkulap Forest Reserve just next to Deramakot.
A 3-day-safari ex Telupid (or Sandakan), inc. of driving (up to 6 hours/day), lodging (discount available if opt for camping, or if camping is the only option), all meals, DFR fees (conservation, vehicle, guide), and interpretation, starts from only RMXX00/pax. Do write in to enquire, and discuss customization for visits to other places.
Explore for wildlife and forests of Sandakan and experience the best of Nature in East Sabah with local naturalist / scientist.
Wild and Fun with the Wildlife and Forests of East Sabah
Explore Sandakan wildlife and forests with a forest ecologist-conservationist or his naturalist friends – visit conservation centres in Sepilok and a community conservation program in Lower Kinabatangan. This educational trip is a good opportunity to see the famous wildlife of Borneo in real person, learn about their ecology as well as their interactions with local culture. While learning about the importance of forests and the threats they are facing with their resident wildlife, your contribution also supports their conservation by the indigenous community and the work of this portal.
River of Life: the Lower Kinabatangan is truly a unique place, where various wildlife of the forest come together.Help plant native trees to help restore riparian forest as wildlife corridor with a community in Lower Kinabatangan
