Research
A long-term research programme was initiated in 1984 as a collaborative venture between the Danum Valley Management Committee, and the Royal Society, London.

The main aims of the programme are:-

1. To gain scientific understanding of the ecological processes and evolutionary mechanisms that maintain tropical rain forest.
2. To provide training opportunities for Malaysians in ecology, forestry and related sciences.
3. To assess the impact of logging and provide information which may contribute to improved forest management.

Inside the old lab Hydrology Monitoring Station

Some 100 studies have been completed or are in progress, many of them collaborative projects between Malaysian and overseas scientists. Major studies have been focused on natural forest dynamics, regeneration within artificial gaps, nutrient cycling and the effects of logging on water quality and vertebrate populations.

Education
Conservation and good forest management require support from the general public. Recognising this need, Yayasan Sabah together with the Education Department launched the Sabah Nature Club in October 1988 as a membership organisation for school children. A highlight of the Club’s activities are the seven-day Nature Orientation courses held at the Field Centre. Courses are held four to five times a year for 30 students per course.

Training
Sumatran rhinocerus The Centre is capable of hosting courses and seminars for up to 30 participants. Group have included the Forestry Department, Yayasan Sabah and the ASEAN Institute of Forest Management. Although particularly suited to the needs of foresters and biologists, groups of all kinds will appreciate the peaceful, natural surroundings.

In 1987, the Field Centre hosted 60 young venturers from around the world under “Operation Raleigh”. Their efforts resulted in 21 km of new trail to the summit of Gunung Danum and a six-bed cabin nearby in the heart of the Conservation Area. In 1991 and again in 1992 and 1994, groups of venturers completed other infrastructure tasks.

Wilderness Recreation
Danum Valley Conservation Area is an ideal location for nature and adventure tourism, with jungle trekking, wildlife photography and bird watching particularly popular. However, so as not to compromise the original objectives of the Field Centre for research, local education and training, the main venue for ecotourism is now Borneo Rainforest Lodge, established by Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd in 1994 and sited on the banks of the Danum Rivers, some 4km inside the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Day visits to the Field Centre can be made from the Lodge, an hour’s drive away.