The United States (US) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam organised a hike in celebration of Earth Day to call attention to the need to value and preserve forests worldwide yesterday.
Some 25 alumni from US government programmes and local environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) joined the event at Tasek Lama Recreational Park.
US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland highlighted efforts the US government have taken to promote environmental conservation and commemorate Earth Day.
In Brunei, those include everything from simple steps like planting a pollinator garden on embassy grounds and hosting marine conservation workshops to assisting Brunei in its efforts to establish a new ASEAN Climate Change Centre.
“On Earth Day, and every day, the US is committed to protecting the environment and improving the health and well-being of communities around the world,” McClelland said.
“That is why President Biden has made forest conservation and protection a priority of his administration, by signing an executive order to conserve 30 per cent of US lands and waters by 2030, an effort known as ‘America the Beautiful’.”
Recently returned US government exchange programme alumni Syauqie Satia and Joshua Belayan, who participated in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship, led the hike. Environmental NGOs joining the event included Green Brunei, BruWILD and Kilang ReRoot.
Tackling the climate crisis is central to US foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security.
“Globally, the US is working with international organisations, civil society, the private sector, philanthropists, and other governments to support policies and programmes that preserve the planet’s natural beauty, provide economic benefits for generations to come, safeguard the lives and livelihoods of people around the world, and address the climate crisis,” McClelland noted.
