1.

0 Introduction
Ecosystem was originally defined in the mid-19th century, when biology was a vastly
different discipline than it is today. The original definition is from Ernst Haeckel, who defined
ecology as the study of the relationship of organisms with their environment.
There are three pervasive definitions of ecology. The first definition stems from the
Haeckelian form that is the study of the relationship between organisms and environment.
However, in the second definition, it considers ecology to be the study of the distribution and
abundance of organisms (Andrewartha and Birch 1954). The third definition focuses ecology
on the study of ecosystems (Odum 1971).
According to S. Mathavan (1974), 'an ecosystem is a sum total of living organisms,
the environment and the process of interaction between the various components of the
ecosystem. Odum has defined ecosystem as the basic fundamental unit of ecology which
includes both the organisms and the non-living environment each influencing the properties
of the other and each is necessary for the maintenance of life.
Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and the largest island in Asia, thus, the
study of ecology in the dense forests of this island has been an interest to people all around
the world. However, as in many tropical areas around the world, Borneos rainforests are
being cleared and degraded for timber, palm oil, pulp, rubber and minerals. Moreover, these
activities play a role in driving illegal wildlife trade, as cleared forests provide easier access
to more remote areas.

2.0 Objective
Deforestation, logging, mining and hydropower activities are considered to be the
greatest threats to Borneo. Of particular concern is the deforestation and then conversion of
natural forests to oil palm and pulp and paper plantations.
The site of this ecology experiment is in the rural area of Inanam, 30 minutes drive
from Kinabalu City. In this mountainous area of Inanam, harmful activities are ongoing for the
benefit of human being.
Several human activities such as logging and deforestation are seen. The main
objective of this experiment is to find out the reasons that lead to deforestation in Kg Kitobu,
Inanam. Thus, a series of interviews were carried out to investigate the reason and effects of
these harmful activities that were taking place.

3.0 Deforestation and Logging

Deforestation can happen for several reasons. Two of the many it is happening in
Borneo is due to the rising demand of palm oil plantations and also for land developing
purposes. One of the villagers, Mr Henry, stated that the main reason of deforestation in that
area of hills is for the construction of Pan Borneo Highway. Although the several people who
assume likewise, it is not supported with evidence that the deforestation that took place in
that area is for the constructivism of the Pan Borneo Highway.
 As more interviews were carried out, it is found that the reason for the deforestation
that is taking place in Kg Kitobu Inanam is due to a construction of a condominium namely
the Kingfisher Condominium.

4.0 Effects of deforestation and logging on ecology system

There are many effects of deforestation, all of which are negative. Deforestation has
many negative effects on the environment. The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for
many species. Seventy percent of Earths land animals and plants live in forests, and many
cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. In Kg Kitobu Inanam, the impact
of this human activity on the ecosystem is similar; the forest animals will lose their natural
habitat. Loss of habitat can lead to many effects, one of which is the extinction of an animal
species. According to several villagers in the area, after the deforestation of the area,
animals like tapir can be found lying on the road.

Deforestation also drives climate change. Forest soils are moist, but without
protection from sun-blocking tree cover they quickly dry out. Trees also help perpetuate the
water cycle by returning water vapour back into the atmosphere. Without trees to fill these
roles, many former forest lands can quickly become barren deserts. The villagers in the area
complaint about lack of shading from the trees. This is due to logging and deforestation that
occurred during the construction of this condominium.

Besides that, logging activities will also lead to soil erosion. This is due to the loss of
support in the soil by the roots thus causing landslides in the area during heavy rain. The
construction area will be filled with mud after a light rain, causing villagers difficulty passing
through to get to their houses. Besides that, landslides in the area will then lead to flash
floods because of the soil that clog the rivers nearby. Flash floods will destroy the villagers
crops, or worse their homes.

5.0 Ways to overcome the problem

The most effective way of stopping deforestation and unsustainable logging is by
stopping the demand in the marketplace. The only reason why these activities keep
happening is because of the high demand in the market. Companies can make an impact by
introducing zero deforestation policies that clean up their supply chains.
Next is by standing with the indigenous people in their fight against these activities.
For centuries, indigenous people of a region have lived in the forests or surrounding the
area. The people can do this by signing petition and joining their rallies to help speak out for
them so their voices of plea could be heard by the authority.
The following step is by tightening the policies and laws. This can be done by the
government and people of authority. Last but not least, the people in the area can replant
trees.
6.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, deforestation and logging are harmful human activities that will result
in many catastrophe. The impact of these activities on the rural area of Kg Kitobu Inanam
can be seen through the pictures taken and also through the verbal interviews conducted
with the local villagers living in the affected area.
It is very important that people understand the effects of these activities to bring
awareness and also educate them about the fragility of our ecosystem.
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Odum, E. P. 1931: Fundamentals of Ecology. W. B. Saunders Company. Philadelphia,

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Mathavan, S., Use of faecal weight as an indicator of food consumption in some

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http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/forests/solutions-to-deforestation/

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Online, B., & Reserved, A. R. (2016, May 28). Pan Borneo Sabah highway by 2022.

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Yeo, S. (2013, July 18). 80% of Malaysian Borneos rainforests destroyed by logging |
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APPENDIX

Diagram 1

Diagram 2
Diagram 3

Diagram