Brunei - Growth shouldn't negate ecology

Minister emphasises on eco-tourism

THE question of conservation versus development does not have to be a trade off or a negative sum game, said the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.

This was stated by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar in his opening speech yesterday, at the launching of the World Forestry Day 2012 together with the official opening of Luagan Lalak Recreational Park in Kg Labi.

"In the past we thought of the forest and fauna as a fair game for humans. We sacrifice the earth for our needs," said the minister, adding, "the world is sufficient for human need but not for its greed."

The minister emphasised that innovative strategies and devices can be developed without sacrificing forests. The eco-friendly measures, natural outputs and eco-tourism can help in job creation and enhance environmental awareness.

"This is the way to go forward," he said. "Apart from conservation and preservation of forests, giving public access to forests for recreational and educational activities would help in generating awareness and protecting biodiversity."

Enhancing facilities, he said, will also make the park attractive while upgrading its status as another alternative eco-tourism destination in the country. According to the minister, the young and present generation must also play their role in environmental conservation.

"About 28.9 per cent of the population is against the proposition that Brunei should not pursue development programmes that damage the environment regardless of how small the environment costs may be," he said, citing a 1998 survey by Universiti Brunei Darussalam called 'Green Perception of Bruneians: Evidence from a survey (Geetha Subramaniam)'.

"'If that is the case then there is still a lot of work to be done," YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya added.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Joseph Koh, the Singapore high commissioner lauded the ongoing initiatives of the Brunei government in nature conservation.

"Brunei has done very well in attracting members of the international scientific community to come and research with Bruneian scientists and students on biodiversity," HE Joseph Koh told The Brunei Times in an interview.

"The research would help the young Bruneians in appreciating and understanding the rich biodiversity of the Sultanate."

"It is about finding imaginative policies and the judicious mix. You cannot have a black and white situation," he said, adding, "the key point here is sustainable development. You can see this example now in Brunei as you balance conservation efforts but keep up with eco-tourism as well."

In another interview, the Philippines Ambassador expressed his admiration for the nation's drive in its green economy.

LEO KASIM

The Brunei Times

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