Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Primary Resources (MIPR) is moving forward in safeguarding Brunei‘s tropical forest for future generations, following the implementation of policies in conservation.
Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Dr. Haji Awang Ahmad bin Haji Jumat outlined some of the policies implemented in protecting the natural tropical forest during a tree-planting event in support of Brunei‘s Heart of Borneo project for Citi‘s second Global Community Day yesterday.
The minister said: "As we understand, Brunei Darussalam has implemented the ‘1 tree felled plant 4‘ policy by the Forestry Department since 1993. The policy served as a short term strategy to restore and conserve forest, which has yielded positive result."
He added, "The policy on limiting forest products quota to 100,000 cubic meters has successful reduced uncontrolled logging activities. According to last year‘s statistics, Brunei recorded a fall of 2pc or some $2 million in the gross output for primary forest sector as compared with 2002. The figures show a decrease from $28.7 million in year 2002 to $26.7 million in year 2006.
"The ministry (MIPR) in its long-term strategic plan will be pushing to gross output with the average value of $27 million per year from the forest primary sector."
The minister highlighted: "Forest is among the country‘s precious natural assets and it play an important role in a balanced ecosystem. The bio diversification of forests can also raise the harmony of living in the country."
Speaking of the economic opportunities from the forests, he said, "Vast opportunities can be opened up, based on the richness of forest biodiversity, for example non timber forest product which is in line with the development of bio product industry like medicinal, herbal, and cosmetic.
He added, "Eco and nature tourism can also be a main sector filled with potential to be developed based on the wealth of forest bio-diversification. And this is a message for all local entrepreneurs to be actively involved in the forest sector.
"As a catalyst towards non timber forest product, the ministry is currently implementing another project ‘Tropical Biodiversity Centre‘ which was launched on March 21, 2007 on World Forestry Day," he said.
Source: www.brudirect.com (19 November 2007)
