Current environmental issues, such as loss of biodiversity, sea level rise and air pollution, can be addressed by adopting nature-based solutions, and embracing the value of nature and its benefit to create a healthier future for people and environment through collaborative actions.
Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) Director Hajah Martinah binti Haji Tamit, as the Chair of the Environment Week Working Committee, said this on the second day of the Environment Week yesterday which saw two thematic sessions – ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ and ‘Nature-based Solutions’ – at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
Acting Director-General at the Public Works Department, Ministry of Development (MoD) Haji Shaharuddin Khairul bin Haji Anuar was the guest of honour.
The nature-based solutions panel was moderated by Director of Institute for Biodiversity and Environment Research (IBER) at UBD Dr Hajah Norhayati binti Haji Ahmad.
Panellists included Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Acting Senior Forestry Officer Liyana binti Yahya, MPRT Senior Fisheries Officer Desimawati binti Haji Metali; DHI Water and Environment Senior Environmental Scientist Malinda Auluck; and associate professor in plant ecology at IBER, UBD Dr Rahayu Sukmaria binti Haji Sukri.
The panellists deliberated on topics related to nature-based solutions, sustainable forest management; marine biodiversity management; how nature-based solutions promote resilience in the face of habitat loss and climate change; and reforestation studies in Brunei’s peat swamp forests as a solution for forest conservation.
Meanwhile, the panel discussion for the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’ session was moderated by consultant from ERM (B) Sdn Bhd Nur Khalish Hafizhah binti Ideris.
JASTRe Environment Officer Ummi Farhanah binti Haji Talipudin; DHI Water and Environment Director George Foulsham; Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd HSSE Executive for Environment Haji Sofi Hasni bin Haji Sharbini; and UBD Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences lecturer Gabriel Yit Vui Yong joined as panellists.
The panellists discussed developments in environmental impact assessment, including regulation strengthening and enforcement; emerging techniques and technologies for environmental impact assessment and management; and how industries can contribute towards environmental management and protection.
The ‘Environment Week: Road Towards a Sustainable Environment #BeTheSolution’ organised by the MoD and JASTRe in collaboration with DHI Water and Environment is held in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023 (Brunei MYCE 2023) and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the World Environment Day celebration.
Closing the event is a tree planting and beach clean-up activity today at the Muara Beach Recreational Park.
The two-day exhibition featured a range of green initiatives and services offered by government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), private companies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), for the public to gain knowledge and raise environmental awareness.
Brunei MYCE 2023 is organised by the MPRT through the Tourism Development Department in collaboration with local and international government agencies, statutory bodies, higher educational institutions, stakeholders and private agencies. Brunei MYCE 2023 is supported by official media partners Radio Television Brunei (RTB), the Information Department (Pelita Brunei) and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd. – Izah Azahari
