Ocean Week Brunei is more than just a series of events; it is a platform for action and collaboration, as well as a beacon of hope for the future of our ocean, said Poni Divers Chief Executive Officer and Poni Foundation founder Mohd Tahsin Wong bin Abdullah in his opening remarks during the World Ocean Day 2024 celebration at Nur Huda Hall, Fisheries Building in Serasa yesterday.
He also said, “We have explored our vital relationship with the ocean, delved into critical topics from marine conservation challenges and sustainable fisheries to sustainable decommissioning of oil rigs as well as from climate change impact to innovative climate change adaptation.”
He recapped key highlights of Ocean Week Brunei, including the deployment of the 100th reef ball, over 135 youth taking part in the Future Ocean Changemakers Youth Forum, donation of 50 reef balls to the fishing community, hosting 25 orphans from Kampong Panchor Mengkubau Village Consultative Council, RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang and other areas, planting 210 corals during the Big Blue Hope Brunei Book of Records, reaching over 50,000 on social media and collecting 554 kilogrammes of waste at Meragang Beach.
The event saw Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin officiate the Sultanate’s very own and world’s first Laut Midi reef ball.
The Laut Midi reef ball is around 1,000 kilogrammes in weight and can hold up to 20 coral plugs which is ideal for coral building and commercial project. It is designed specifically for use in Brunei waters and for its seabed type with efficiency in mind, allowing more reef balls to be deployed by barge and crane in a single trip, reducing costs of deployment.
The minister also heard keynote presentations from Todd Barber, representing the Reef Ball Foundation, who underscored the urgent need for sustainability and shed light on innovative marine conservation.
Meanwhile, James Bali of the Sarawak Forestry Corporation delved into the Sarawak Reef Ball Wall Project, presenting its multifaceted objectives aimed at preserving the environment and enhancing community well-being. With over 25,000 reef balls deployed in Sarawak over 26 years, Bali shared encouraging feedback from the local communities, indicating tangible benefits such as increased fish catch and income post-deployment.
The event also saw Mohd Tahsin Wong introduce the Brunei Reef Ball Wall Project and Brunei Ocean ARC (Brunei Ocean and Aquatic Research Centre), outlining its scope and objectives aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity and coastal resilience in Brunei’s waters joining Sarawak’s longest barrier reef made from reef balls.
The organisers believe that the momentum generated this week will propel Brunei towards even greater achievements. Key actions to be taken include: launch of the LAUT (Looking After Underwater Treasures of Brunei) Brunei Ambassador Programme, a new initiative aimed at recruiting and training local ambassadors to advocate for ocean sustainability within their communities; implementation of marine protection policies and working closely with policymakers to share on-the-ground information to support the development and enforcement of regulations that safeguard marine biodiversity and promote sustainable practices; and enhanced public awareness campaigns to educate and engage the public through targeted campaigns and school talks, emphasising the importance of taking actions in preserving our oceans.
Organised by Poni Divers and Poni Foundation in partnership with the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), the event is part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference (Brunei MYCE) 2024.
Ocean Week Brunei is sponsored by Baiduri Bank, Australian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd, Progresif Sdn Bhd, Tyne Solutions Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Armada Properties, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd and Anson International Sdn Bhd. Media partners include Borneo Bulletin, Media Permata, Kristal Media, RTB and Biz Brunei, while education partners include Laksamana College and Dive Association Partner, RAID International.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty Binti Haji Abdul Wahab, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam Luke Arnold and Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam Abel Guterres were present. – James Kon
