Coral Analysis Reveals Start of Industrial Deforestation in Borneo

Recent research led by the University of Leicester has uncovered crucial evidence regarding the onset of industrial deforestation in the Malaysian rainforest, illustrating its long-lasting effects on coastal ecosystems. This groundbreaking study, published in *Scientific Reports* on July 4, 2025, utilized coral cores collected off the coast of Borneo to trace back the start of deforestation and its subsequent impact on marine environments.

The research team, comprising experts from the UK, Malaysia, and Australia, including Professor Jens Zinke and Dr. Arnoud Boom, aimed to fill critical gaps in environmental data through innovative methods. By analyzing the coral skeletons, the researchers were able to link changes in the sediments to environmental conditions, providing a historical record of deforestation's effects on coastal ecosystems, specifically in the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park.

Professor Zinke, supported by a Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, explained that the study employed laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry to analyze the ratio of barium to calcium (Ba/Ca) in coral samples. This ratio serves as a proxy for sediment erosion, revealing a stark increase in sediment concentrations post-1950, coinciding with the advent of industrial-scale deforestation in the region. According to Zinke, "The laser analysis focused on the ratio of trace elements barium and calcium locked in coral skeletons because Ba is released from fine mud particles in river water once the river meets the salty ocean water. We use the coral Ba/Ca ratio as a proxy for sediment erosion long before any instrument was able to build a record."

The study's findings indicate that the impact of deforestation extends beyond terrestrial ecosystems, affecting coastal marine life as well. Former Leicester PhD student Walid Naciri noted that understanding pre-deforestation baseline conditions was crucial to grasping the full extent of deforestation's impact. He emphasized the need for local governments to promote alternative income sources for communities reliant on deforestation while advocating for global reductions in demand for palm oil and pulpwood products.

Dr. Arnoud Boom, also from the University of Leicester, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, "We have literally found a fingerprint for the onset and impact of industrial deforestation that led to enhanced soil erosion in Malaysian Borneo, affecting the Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park."

This research underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between local governments and international organizations to mitigate the ongoing deforestation crisis. By addressing the socio-economic drivers behind deforestation and promoting sustainable practices, stakeholders can work towards restoring vital ecosystems and enhancing carbon uptake, which is essential in the fight against climate change.

In summary, the study serves as a clarion call for environmental stewardship, urging immediate action to protect both terrestrial and marine ecosystems from the far-reaching consequences of industrial deforestation. The future of Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and the health of its coastal waters depend on the choices made today regarding land management and environmental conservation.