Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Museum yesterday launched posters to highlight the country`s endangered animal species, at the museum in Jalan Kota Batu.
The guest of honour was the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth And Sports, Awg Hj Ahmad bin Hj Abdul Rahman, who said that the Endangered Species Act 1978 listed 34 species of birds, mammals and reptiles as protected species.
The enactment of the Act is necessary to ensure that these species continue to exist in order to maintain the stability of the ecology and be enjoyed by future generations, he said.
Brunei Darussalam signed the Convention On The International Trade Of Endangered Species (CITES) in 1990, he said.
He called on all parties to abide by the law, which was difficult to enforce if there was a demand for the protected species.
However, he was happy to note that the Brunei Museum has lately been receiving public assistance and support in protecting the endangered species.
He highlighted the turtle conservation that is well received by schools and the public.
The chairman of yesterday`s event, Awg Samhan Bin Nyawa, a senior officer from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, said the Brunei Museum, with the assistance of other government departments, is continuously widening and strengthening networks on preserving the endangered wildlife in order to protect the wealth in the country`s biodiversity.
He said that the Brunei Museum will continue to conduct campaigns at schools to raise the awareness of the endangered species and the law among the public at a young age.
The guest of honour later presented the posters to representatives of 18 Brunei-Muara District primary schools, seven primary schools from Belait District and 11 primary schools from Tutong District.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary also presented certificates to people who have handed over various endangered aminals to the Brunei Museum.
Meanwhile, primary schoolchildren joined the guest of honour in releasing butterflies as part of the launching ceremony at the compound of the Brunei Museum.
Source: www.brudirect.com (2 Juli 2007)
