Brunei commits to sustainable ocean management

The Star

16-06-2025

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), Dayang Tutiaty Abd Wahab (pic), highlighted Brunei Darussalam's dedication to protecting marine ecosystems, combating illegal fishing, and promoting sustainable resource management through strong conservation policies and marine innovations.
In her opening address as guest of honour at the Ocean Sustainability Conference as part of Ocean Week Brunei 2025 on Monday (June 16), she said, 'By fostering careers in ocean science, conservation, and marine innovation — alongside supporting creative industries tied to our oceans — we advance Brunei's vision of a thriving blue economy that balances ecological protection with growth, community empowerment, and scientific progress.'
Hosted at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), the education partner of Ocean Week Brunei, the conference took place at The Core, UBD.
She stressed that this vision aligns with international commitments, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and reinforces Brunei's role in global ocean stewardship.
Sustainable marine management, she added, is not only an environmental priority but also crucial for economic and social well-being, safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing food security, and supporting coastal communities.
The conference follows Brunei's recent participation at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, where the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism reaffirmed the country's commitment to responsible ocean governance and urged stronger collaboration to tackle marine challenges.
The theme of this year's conference, Investing in Ocean Futures, closely mirrors Brunei's national goals for sustainable marine development, environmental stewardship, and economic diversification.
Brunei's mangrove forests and seagrass beds are vital for climate resilience and biodiversity, while new financial tools like biodiversity credits create opportunities to link conservation with economic growth. Advances in marine technology also enhance ocean protection through better monitoring and restoration.
With 20 per cent of its waters designated as Marine Protected Areas, Brunei continues to advance biodiversity conservation, responsible fisheries management, and ecosystem resilience.
'Initiatives such as deploying over 1,000 artificial reef units and re-delineating fishing zones support habitat restoration, boost fisheries productivity, and encourage sustainable resource use,' she said.
Brunei's sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism sectors play key roles in ocean sustainability, improving food security, livelihoods, and economic stability for coastal communities.
By adopting an ecosystem approach to fisheries and promoting responsible tourism, the country strengthens marine protection while fostering sustainable coastal development.
The conference serves as a platform for regional collaboration, harnessing local expertise, and developing scalable solutions that integrate science, policy, and community initiatives.
'As we move forward, let us intensify collective efforts through science-based policymaking, responsible investment, and multi-sector cooperation to protect our marine ecosystems,' she urged.
The knowledge shared will shape the future of sustainable fisheries, conservation-focused tourism, and climate resilience — the foundation for Brunei's long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
'Let this conference be a catalyst for bold partnerships, innovative solutions, and transformative policies that will secure the future of our oceans.' - Borneo Bulletin/ANN