Ministry's High-Rise Plan Meets Green Goals Published: Monday, 19 July 2010
Monday 19 July, Bandar Seri Begawan – The Forestry Department under the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources sees plans by the Ministry of Development to go vertical in solving Brunei's housing demand as "a good approach in doing a better service for the people and citizens of Brunei Darussalam".
Apart from ensuring sustainability for the future generation, the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Development can also contribute to better forest research as well as safeguarding the nation from future natural disasters.
Speaking to the Bulletin, Mahmud Yusof, a senior government officer at the Forestry Department, explained that by maintaining forested land that Brunei Darussalam has will give way to possibilities of discovering new plant and animal species that could, subjected to Research and Development, be beneficial for the general eco-system.
With current on-going researches that are being carried out in the forests of Brunei Darussalam, Mahmud Yusof said: "We are very optimistic of discovering new species that will complement the already rich bio-diversity on Borneo."
Furthermore, the existence of more trees will help in reducing natural calamities such as landslides and mangroves found along the coastal line of Brunei may render assistance by reducing damages caused by more devastating natural occurrences.
Forest plays a significant role in garnering finances for the country, particularly through eco-tourism, which Brunei Darussalam has been advocating over the years.
"Eco-tourism is a promising industry," he said and added that the country is considered "lucky" as the government heavily protects Brunei's forests through numerous laws and acts because of its importance on different levels, including reducing the carbon footprint.
"Visitors appreciate the existence of a natural environment as most do not have access to such an area within just a few hours," referring to the accessibility of the Ulu-Ulu Temburong National Park, which takes only two hours to reach from the capital.
Considering that tourism is a highly competitive industry worldwide, Brunei's forested areas "is the strength in promoting eco-tourism".
Thus far, the government of Brunei Darussalam has taken significant strides in promoting awareness on global warming through its Heart of Borneo projects that have attracted support from many government and non-government agencies nationwide.
The Ministry of Development's move is another way in sending the message that, "Brunei Darussalam has what it takes to contribute to the international agenda such as forest conservation; that we are placing our policy well ahead of the agenda of climate change and global biodiversity loss."
Mahmud Yusof also said that public response to the numerous efforts in protecting the nation's green jewels have been positive and praised their involvement towards protecting Brunei's pristine forests. "The people are very good to the environment," he said, adding, "We have forested areas unlike many other countries."
Therefore, though the idea of high-rise living may not appeal to many who prefer their own land for living, "We cannot afford to sacrifice our land for individual needs. We need to think of the future and our heritage."
In the long run, the Ministry of Development's approach is in line towards "doing a better service for the country".
"It meets the needs of the people, the needs of the environment and the needs of the future generation." ~Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS, IT CENTRE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND PRIMARY RESOURCES
Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources
