About Illuminating the Rainforest

The Plight of the Rainforest

The Rainforest - The Lungs of Our Planet

The Borneo Rainforest, the third largest in the world and the closest primary rainforest to Taiwan, plays a crucial role in our global ecosystem. Any changes to this vital ecosystem could have significant impacts on Taiwan's environment.

In recent years, we've witnessed the devastating effects of rampant deforestation. During our expeditions, we've seen firsthand how vast areas of once-lush forest have been reduced to barren wastelands...

The Penan people, indigenous to these lands, are traditionally nomadic forest dwellers. While some still maintain their nomadic lifestyle, most have now settled in permanent communities. In a courageous stand to protect their ancestral rainforest home, they've been resisting powerful logging companies and government interests with nothing but their determination.

The photo below shows the Penan's blockade efforts to prevent loggers from entering their forests. Penan from various communities gather, using their own bodies as barriers to protect their land. Kelesau Naan, a Penan leader from Long Kerong, faced immense pressure for organizing these protests. During what should have been a routine hunting trip, he never returned. In a heartbreaking discovery, his body was later found by the river, bearing signs of violence...

Why Electricity?

One of the Penan's key conservation strategies is raising global awareness about their struggle. They believe that reducing demand for illegally logged timber can help slow deforestation. With this mission, they've been traveling worldwide to share their story, with Taiwan being a primary focus due to its significant timber imports from Malaysia.

After learning about the Penan's situation, our team visited the rainforest to see how we could help. Beyond supporting their handicraft trade, we discovered that their prolonged resistance has led to economic isolation. Even villages just a 15-20 minute walk from Mulu Airport still lack reliable electricity.

10 Years and Counting!

We are a group of parents and children who organize annual expeditions to the Borneo rainforest. Our mission is to install solar power systems in remote Penan villages, ensuring they have access to electricity while continuing their crucial forest conservation work.

Each Penan family receives an LED light and a portable power bank. Villagers charge these power banks during the day, providing essential lighting at night. The photo shows us installing solar lights for an elderly woman. Her joyful expression made us realize how much we take electricity for granted. Now, Penan children can do their homework without relying on headlamps.

Since 2016, our project has brought solar power to 11 Penan villages. However, more than 10 communities still lack access to this basic necessity.

Our Vision

We dream of a world living in harmony with nature. Together, we can make the world a more beautiful place.

Join Our Cause

Your support, whether through donations or spreading awareness, can make a real difference in rainforest conservation.