Latest news with #WorldOceanDay2025
The Star
11-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Brunei ramps up marine conservation efforts
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin sounding the air horn to officiate the deployment of 100 reef balls on July 10 in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan in conjunction with World Ocean Day 2025. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Brunei government is taking various measures to support marine conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources. The measures include designating over 20 per cent of the nation's fisheries management area – more than 1,200sq km – as a 'No Take Zone' through the establishment of Marine Protected Area (MPA) to prevent overfishing and safeguard marine biodiversity; enforcing a moratorium on new bottom trawl licences since 2001; and prohibiting shark fishing and trade of all shark products since 2015 to protect threatened marine species and preserve ecological These initiatives were mentioned by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin in his remarks as guest of honour at the deployment of 100 reef balls of four different sizes in the waters of Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, held in conjunction with the celebration of World Ocean Day 2025 on Thursday (July 10). Other initiatives, he added, include 'combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through the active enforcement of the National Plan of Action and optimising technology to track and monitor fisheries activities; conducting national fish stock assessments and developing a Fisheries Stock Database to enable informed and evidence-based decisions for sustainable fisheries management; as well as leveraging the use of artificial intelligence to enhance coral reef monitoring, enabling precise reef health evaluation and adaptation to the impacts of climate change'. The minister also highlighted restoration and propagation of seagrass ecosystems, with special focus on vulnerable species. 'Over 100 seagrass plots were successfully planted at Bedukang Island in May, as one of Brunei Darussalam's efforts to salvage and expand the species in its significant role in the ecosystem.' He further revealed, 'Over 1,400 artificial reefs were deployed between 2020 and 2023. We are committed to deploying an additional 1,000 artificial reefs by 2029, further supporting marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. We are proud to continue this journey with the deployment of an additional 100 units of artificial reefs at Pelong Rocks, contributing to our ongoing marine ecosystem restoration efforts.' Brunei Darussalam, the minister emphasised, 'will continue to invest time and effort in marine science for our younger generations, who will be the next key players in sustaining ocean governance in the future. At the same time, we call upon all stakeholders from industries nationwide to adopt environmentally conscious practices to achieve sustainable economic development.' The minister also raised concerns that the ocean is under growing threats across the globe, including in the region, where marine ecosystems are gradually degrading on a large scale as a result of human actions. He cited threats such as marine pollution – driven by the irresponsible disposal of plastic and industrial waste, as well as abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear – continuing to harm marine habitats. 'Evidence of microplastic pollution and ghost nets in reef systems are some of the pressing issues identified, highlighting the urgent need for further research and effective solutions to address these threats,' he said. He added that unsustainable extraction of marine resources due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, along with the destruction of mangroves and other coastal landscapes, have disrupted the balance of ecosystems. Beyond these immediate concerns, he said, 'the health of our marine ecosystems is also increasingly challenged by broader and more complex impacts of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures lead to more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, while ocean acidification weakens reef structures and inhibits the growth of shelled organisms'. 'These changes not only disrupt the delicate balance of the entire marine food web and ecosystems but also jeopardise the livelihoods of communities that depend on the ocean for food, income and cultural heritage,' he said. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Affecting change in marine plastic pollution
Every minute, a rubbish lorry's worth of plastic enters the ocean. As World Ocean Day 2025 highlights, stemming the plastic tide is not just an environmental cause—it is a shared challenge demanding innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and active consumer engagement. Today, a new wave of solutions is reshaping how the packaging industry, policymakers and citizens confront marine plastic pollution. Rethinking packaging for the future Plastic is deeply embedded in global supply chains, valued for its durability, role in preserving food safety and shelf life. However, poorly managed single-use plastics have become symbols of environmental harm. Did you know that the Klang River in Malaysia has been identified as one of the world's top contributors to ocean-bound plastic? This stark reality underscores the urgent need for systemic solutions that move beyond mere promises. Over the past decade, leading brands have shifted from traditional 'take-make-dispose' (linear) models to circular approaches. By the late 2010s, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies pledged to cut emissions, source materials responsibly and ensure all packaging would be fully recyclable or compostable by 2025. For instance, Unilever's 2019 commitment aimed for a 50% reduction in virgin plastic use and 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging. By last year, progress was mixed: virgin plastic use fell by 18% and 22% of packaging is now recycled, but the 100% target has been pushed to 2030 for rigid plastics and 2035 for flexible ones, citing infrastructure and supply chain hurdles, regulatory complexity and disruptions like the pandemic. Other FMCG giants report similar obstacles, with progress fastest in countries boasting advanced recycling systems, simpler packaging, or premium pricing that absorbs higher costs. These experiences underscore not a lack of ambition but the immense challenge of transforming global supply chains and consumer habits, one that requires relentless innovation and policy support. Breakthroughs are emerging. Parkside, for example, has pioneered flexible, compostable, and mono-material packaging in Asia that decomposes more readily or is easily recycled. Notably, Parkside won the UK Packaging Award for Best New Concept in 2023 for its compostable coffee packaging—a solution now gaining traction beyond the United Kingdom market. Japanese researchers at RIKEN have developed plastics that dissolve harmlessly in water, offering a potential alternative to long-lived marine debris. French biotech firm Carbios is scaling up the enzymatic recycling of PET plastics, breaking them down at the molecular level for high-quality reuse. Meanwhile, British company Polytag's digital watermarking technology enables highly accurate sorting, improving recycling rates and traceability in recycling centres. Shared responsibility across the value chain At the recent Coffee, Planet and Us 2025 — a forum for sustainability in the coffee and its related sectors — Parkside Malaysia's general manager Paul Vaughan urged industry leaders to move from blame to shared responsibility. 'Change begins with choice,' he said. 'This (Earth) is only lent to us. We're only borrowing this.' He also urged that we stop pointing fingers and instead ask what positive steps each of us can take for society. Change doesn't happen in isolation; it requires everyone in the value chain to act. Collaboration across the value chain is critical to tackling plastic pollution at scale. The Alliance to End Plastic Waste—a coalition of over 70 companies—has pledged more than US$1.5bil for infrastructure and innovation, particularly in Asia. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Plastics Pact, with over 500 global signatories, champions annual, transparent reporting and practical targets. However, both initiatives have faced criticism for slow progress, missed targets and accusations of greenwashing. These challenges highlight the complexity of achieving global standards across diverse markets, as well as the gap that can emerge between ambition and tangible action. Nevertheless, meaningful partnerships are making a difference. In Singapore, AI-driven robots are improving waste sorting and recycling rates, while brands in cities across Europe and Asia are trialing refill and reuse schemes. Regulatory frameworks are evolving, too. The European Union's Single-Use Plastics Directive, as well as similar regulations in Canada and the UK. Malaysia's phased Roadmap Towards Zero Single-Use Plastics, all demonstrate how policy, aligned with industry efforts, can help raise standards and drive lasting change. Everyday action matters While industry and government bear much of the responsibility, consumer action remains indispensable. Paul emphasised that the simplest, most immediate solution is responsible disposal: 'Don't throw your waste in the river. Don't throw it in the sea.' Choosing products with clear recycling instructions, supporting refill and reuse schemes and holding companies accountable for their packaging choices are all ways consumers can contribute to progress. Honest labelling and standardisation are also essential. Without them, even the most innovative packaging may end up in a landfill due to confusion or inadequate infrastructure. Marine plastic pollution remains a global crisis, driven by single-use packaging and inadequate disposal. A shared mission Despite the challenges—cost pressures, infrastructure gaps, regulatory differences and sometimes slow consumer uptake—the tide is beginning to turn wherever innovation, collaboration and responsible action intersect. As Paul reminded the audience that embracing change is not just for 'other people.' It starts with the choices made by each company, each boardroom, each supply chain and each consumer. This World Ocean Day, the message is unmistakable: the future of the health of our seas depends not just on what happens at the shoreline, but on the choices made by everyone who designs, manufactures, regulates and uses packaging. Companies that lead this transformation will help safeguard marine ecosystems.
The Star
09-06-2025
- The Star
Pulau Upeh must be promoted as a turtle sanctuary, says MATTA
MELAKA: Pulau Upeh should be actively promoted as a hawksbill turtle sanctuary, says the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). On the island off Melaka, state MATTA chapter president Goh Hock Gin said that he is concerned that the island has been neglected, despite being the largest nesting site in the region for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. "There were previous plans by the state government to attract tourists and to designate the island as a turtle sanctuary. "I believe stakeholders can do more to protect the hawksbill turtles and assist tourism players in diversifying the products and experiences offered to visitors," he said in an interview on Monday (June 9). Goh also voiced his disappointment after attending a beach clean-up programme at Pulau Upeh in conjunction with World Ocean Day 2025 on Sunday (June 8). "The island is filled with rubbish, which hampers efforts to achieve a high rate of hatching," he said. Goh urged the state government to commission a study to assess the impact of climate change and coastal reclamation on the turtle population. The beach clean-up was organised by local NGOs, including the Sungai Project, Sail and Science, and Save Our Shores Melaka (SOS). Around 60 volunteers participated, collecting more than 900 kilograms of rubbish. This included 410 kg of plastic bottles, styrofoam, discarded clothing, mixed plastic waste, and construction debris. Marine biologist and Sungai Project founder Maria Marcos highlighted the difficulties faced by hatchlings when nesting areas are polluted. "Nesting season typically runs from May to September, and Pulau Upeh remains one of the last strongholds for female hawksbill turtles to lay their eggs. "However, a polluted beach not only discourages nesting females but can also lead to the failure of entire nests due to fungus, toxins, or predators such as monitor lizards," she said. Meanwhile, Director of Sail and Science Frits van Walsem said the clean-up initiative aimed to give these turtles a better chance to nest successfully. "This is just the beginning of our initiative. We intend to engage with the relevant authorities and support them in ongoing turtle conservation efforts," he added.
