In the heart of Borneo, a conservationist's childhood amid logging camps transformed into a lifelong mission to protect the rainforest. Jamiluddin Jami, born in Tawau, Malaysia, grew up witnessing forests cleared for commercial use, a norm he once accepted. That changed in his teens when he joined the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership in Danum Valley, planting seedlings and learning the critical importance of forest preservation.
From Fear to Canopy Exploration
At age 19, Jami observed colleagues climbing trees for scientific research, measuring heights and monitoring wildlife. Despite a fear of heights, he was inspired to take on the challenge, recognizing the scarcity of conservation work high in the canopy. This decision set him on a path of tree-climbing adventures, blending personal growth with environmental advocacy.
The Quest for the Tallest Tropical Tree
In 2018, researchers from the University of Nottingham identified a yellow meranti tree in a Borneo rainforest, estimated at 100 meters tall, potentially the world's tallest tropical tree. Jami's team was tasked with verifying this. After a grueling three- to four-hour trek through dense forest using GPS coordinates, they found the towering giant. Jami recalls looking up in awe, but nerves delayed his climb for three months until January.
For the expedition, Jami assembled a team of 10, equipped with 400 meters of rope. They used a fishing line to anchor ropes to the tree, with two climbers ascending via a rope-walking system while others monitored from the ground. Jami carried a tape measure, with one end held by a teammate below, to accurately gauge the tree's height.
Perils and Precautions in the Ascent
The climb was slow and meticulous. Jami carefully checked branches for strength and scanned for hazards like snakes, scorpions, wasps, and other insects. He learned from a past incident where bees attacked him, resulting in 100 stings and a brief loss of consciousness, leading him to avoid bright colors during climbs. This time, the path seemed clear, though his colleague felt isolated as the tree stood 50 meters above the surrounding forest.
To maintain visibility, Jami had his ground team wear orange helmets. At 70 meters, they appeared as tiny ants, and soon, the forest floor vanished from sight. Reaching this height, Jami's fear dissipated as he glimpsed the expansive landscape, a turning point in his ascent.
A View from the Top
Jami climbed to about 95 meters before thin branches halted further progress. Using a pole, he measured the tree's final height at 100.8 meters. From this vantage, he beheld a breathtaking panorama: the rainforest canopy resembled a sea with trees as tiny ripples, clouds hovering above, and miles of lush green stretching out. The serene, still air filled him with wonder, making him wish to stay overnight. The descent was swift, but the experience left him eager to return.
Reflections and Conservation Impact
That first climb took over two hours; subsequent ascents for camera installation reduced it to about 40 minutes. For Jami, every minute spent in the canopy reinforces his commitment to saving forests. He believes each tree holds a unique story of history and emphasizes the unparalleled calm found high above. His work aims to highlight the urgency of forest conservation, inspiring others through his aerial journeys.
