Enhancing
Growth of Marine Eco-Tourism
TUTONG, 20 August 2006,
Sunday - "According to research, the ocean of the country has an
interesting area of coral life. These corals which are dubbed as
'Rainforest of the Sea' are a diverse ecosystem in the world. In view of
this, marine eco-tourism is one of the industries that will be
developed."
This was stated by Deputy
Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah
bin Haji Abdul Wahab, who was the guest of honour at a fishing challenge
held at Seri Kenangan Beach in Tutong District on Sunday.
"I believe eco-tourism
industry can generate revenues for the country just like the Great
Barrier Reef has contributed to Australia," he said.
The Fisheries Department
has started a number of initiatives to develop the marine eco-tourism in
the country and one of these efforts is the establishment of a `Marine
Park', he said.
A Marine Park is usually a
productive area with a biodiversity of flora and fauna as well as a
breeding and nursery for marine life. This project will ensure the
preservation and management of a marine ecosystem to support a
sustainable supply of fisheries as well as contribute to a compatible
economy, he added.
The deputy minister said
sport fishing is a challenging activity which can be promoted as a
product that can contribute towards the development of marine
eco-tourism.
"I see such initiative as a
step towards enhancing efforts in developing marine eco-tourism, and as
chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board, I call on other agencies and
organisations to accelerate the growth of this industry."
The fishing challenge was
organised by the Fisheries Department and its cooperative (BAKARANG)
with the aim of promoting fishing as a recreational activity as well as
to enhance closer relations among fishing enthusiasts.
The guest of honour
presented prizes to the winners of the fishing competition at the end of
the event.
- Courtesy of
Borneo Bulletin -
