The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, through the Forestry Department and the
Department of Fisheries, in partnership with Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Poni Group Sdn
Bhd, had officially commenced a three-day Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef at
the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. The conference, held in conjunction with the
Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2025 will take place from Tuesday, 17th June 2025
until Thursday, 19th June 2025.
Present as the Guest of Honour was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf
bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, who also delivered the welcoming
remarks and subsequently officiated the opening ceremony. In his speech, he highlighted the
importance of recognising inland forests, mangroves, seagrass, and coral reefs as “vitally
interconnected in supporting ecosystem services, sustaining livelihoods, and enhancing our
resilience to climate change.” He further emphasised that “protecting our forests and reefs is not
a task for government alone—it is a shared mission that requires every one of us to act now,”
reinforcing Brunei Darussalam’s commitment under the National Biodiversity Policy and Strategic
Plan of Action (NBPSPA) 2024–2030, which aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework.
(Welcoming remarks by the Guest of Honour is attached)
Also in attendance were the High Commissioners and Ambassadors, Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, ViceChancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Deputy Permanent Secretaries of the Ministry of
Primary Resources and Tourism, senior government officials, representatives from both local and
international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academics, researchers,
representatives of relevant private sector stakeholders and conference participants.
Datuk Dr. Ismail Parlan, Director General of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),
delivered the first keynote address, focusing on the role of mangroves in coastal protection and
climate mitigation. He highlighted their critical ecological functions—including the ability to trap
sediment and support coral reef resilience, serve as nurseries for marine life, and act as highly
effective blue carbon sinks with long-term soil carbon storage potential.
The second keynote was delivered by Mr. Sudono Salim, Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder of
Jejakin, Indonesia, who presented innovative approaches to monitoring blue carbon ecosystems
through digital technology.
Using AI-powered platforms such as CarbonAtlas, he showcased how
integrated tools like satellite imagery, drone mapping, and IoT sensors can transform mangrove
conservation into verifiable, scalable climate solutions across ASEAN, supporting voluntary carbon
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markets and national climate goals.
This was followed by two thematic sessions: the morning session focusing on the Role of Blue
Carbon Ecosystems and the afternoon session addressing Ecosystem Synergies: Linking Forests
and Reefs for Biodiversity Conservation. Expert speakers from regional and international
institutions also participated in the sessions.
The conference aims to connect policymakers, academics, and stakeholders with global
biodiversity leaders to exchange knowledge and best practices. It focuses on promoting blue and
green economic growth, including eco-tourism and carbon markets, while enhancing capacitybuilding, education, and professional networks in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation,
and disaster risk reduction. It also supports integrating international best practices and new
economic opportunities into national forest-to-reef strategies.
The Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef features a distinguished panel of local and
international speakers, including leading researchers, government officials, and environmental
experts from prominent institutions. These speakers bring diverse expertise in climate science,
ecosystem management and sustainable development, sharing the latest research and best
practices to support Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate
resilience.
The conference will feature six (6) thematic topics, including (1) the Role of the Blue Carbon
Ecosystems; (2) Ecosystem Synergies: Linking Forests and Reefs for Biodiversity Conservation; (3)
Innovations in Monitoring and Restoring Forest and Coastal Ecosystems; (4) Ecosystem Valuation:
The Economics of Ecosystem Services in Forests and Coastal Ecosystems; (5) Blue Carbon
Ecosystems as Climate Solutions; and (6) Expedition on Forest to Reef – Findings. Optional visits,
including mangrove tour at Sungai Damuan and a visit to the Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Botanical Research Centre, will offer participants firsthand experience of Brunei Darussalam’s
natural ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Further information regarding the Brunei Darussalam Conference on Forest to Reef can be
obtained through the official website of the Forestry Department at www.forestry.gov.bn and the
Department of Fisheries at www.fisheries.gov.bn, as well as their respective Instagram accounts
@forestry.brunei and @fisheries.brunei.
