US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barrus urged youth to get involved with programmes like the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and Our Ocean 2022 Conference in April to continue promoting ocean conservation.
He said this at the AdvocaSEA Camp organised by Sustainable Oceans Alliance (SOA) Brunei in collaboration with the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam which concluded with a ceremony at The Core, Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
“This week you’ve had the chance to see firsthand the beauty of the ocean,” Barrus told participants. “You have also been able to share perspectives and gain awareness on marine biodiversity and ocean conservation efforts. I hope you will now spread the word: Our ocean in Brunei is amazing, it’s close and open to us every day, but it needs our protection.”
The five-day capacity-building programme, held from February 28 until March 4, aimed at encouraging youth to play bigger roles in marine conservation and served to provide participants with hands-on experience on ocean environment and deeper understanding on challenges threatening the sea.
Project manager Shaima Misli said, “The programme provided enducational yet enriching, fun experience and allowed participants to meet and learn from fellow nature lovers through a series of workshops and activities on conservation efforts, inclusivity, public speaking, project pitching and budget planning.
“They also participated in adventurous activities such as snorkeling at Pelong Rocks. At the end of the programme, they pitched a follow-up project while three groups were selected and given grants to execute it.”
Three groups successfully pitched project proposal geared towards helping communities and marine conservation. A grant of BND500 each was awarded by SOA and the US Embassy in Brunei to execute the follow-up projects.
