DeforestAction: Project Borneo

TakingITGlobal Contests

25 young leaders have been selected for the pioneer DeforestACTION project aimed at protecting forests, working with local communities and saving orangutans.

DeforestACTION is a global action project involving millions of students from around the world who want to play an active role in stopping deforestation. The project is supported by TakingITGlobal and Microsoft Partners in Learning. We've teamed up with acclaimed conservationist Dr. Willie Smits to create awareness about the destruction caused by deforestation, restore a full forest eco-system and provide a sustainable livelihood for the local community.

Award-winning production company Virgo Productions is developing a 3D feature documentary about the project in collaboration with National Geographic Entertainment. Shooting will take place over 100 days in Borneo. Cathy Henkel, (The Burning Season, The Man who Stole my Mother’s Face) will produce and direct 100 Days in the Jungle: Project Borneo 3D, to be shot by acclaimed cinematographer Don McAlpine (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, Wolverine) and Paul Nichola (Cane Toads: The Conquest 3D). A TV series is in development with National Geographic for the second 100 days.

DeforestACTION is selecting 12 young team leaders to lead this global action project - and feature in the 3D movie. Submissions and voting for the applicants have now closed!

A short list of 50 was announced in early May. A top 25 was announced in early June.

All 25 will have a leading role in the project. A smaller group will head to Borneo in September for an orientation and reconniassance trip to meet the local communities and assess the scale of the challenge. They will return in February next year for 80 days to implement their action plans. Throughout the project, they will connect with the world though the web, providing updates to the millions of students across the globe who are responsible for developing and driving the project.