BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The EU-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility, in collaboration with Green Brunei, organised a nature walk at Berakas Forest Reserve on Monday, bringing together Bruneian government officials, the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, civil society groups and youth in their shared commitment to biodiversity conservation.
More than 80 people took part in the nature walk, which showcased the unique biodiversity of the kerangas (tropical heath) forest in Berakas that has been regenerated following several forest fires.
Sander Happaerts, Green and Digital Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, welcomed participants and acknowledged the nature walk as a celebration of the EU’s friendship with Brunei and a demonstration of its commitment to nature protection.
Present as guest of honour was Hjh Tutiaty Hj Abdul Wahab, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
“The impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident in recent years, reinforcing the urgent need to address environmental and climate challenges – both locally and globally,” she said in a speech.
“Brunei Darussalam’s national strategy reflects these priorities through the National Forest Policy and the Brunei National Climate Change Policy. With approximately 72% of its land currently under forest cover, Brunei is committed to gazetting at least 55% of its land area as forest reserves.”
She added: “We must recognise the economic value of protecting our natural resources. Preserving forests and ecosystems not only strengthen our climate resilience, but also creates opportunities for eco-tourism, green jobs, and low-carbon economic diversification. This balance allows us to grow in a way that respects our environment and is a strategy we all must strive to adopt to achieve a net-zero emissions future.”
Located 18km from the capital, Berakas Forest Reserve is one of Brunei’s most accessible coastal forests, covering an area of 348 hectares.
Green Brunei, one of the country’s leading environmental NGOs, has supported community tree-planting initiatives in the reserve for the past decade.
“Organising this nature walk in Berakas Forest Reserve with the EU reflects our shared commitment to fostering international collaboration while promoting the importance of nature conservation and a healthy lifestyle,” the NGO said.
“Together, we hope to inspire our community to cherish Brunei’s green spaces and embrace sustainable living for future generations.”
Thousands of new trees have been replanted in the forest reserve since the implementation of the Forestry Department’s rehabilitation programme, resulting in a number of unique and interesting tree species.
These efforts align with Brunei’s National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) to increase carbon sinks through afforestation and reforestation programmes, with a target of planting 500,000 new trees by 2035.
As of June 14, 2025, a total of 186,698 trees have been planted since the launch of the BNCCP in 2020.
Similarly, the European Union has expressed the ambition to plant an additional 3 billion trees, as part of its strategy to restore nature and achieve climate neutrality.
The EU – Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility said the nature walk is one of several initiatives aimed at promote green diplomacy and community engagement.
“By engaging participants in a meaningful outdoor experience, the event highlights the interconnectedness of human health and the environment, while fostering dialogue on environmental protection, biodiversity, and sustainable practices in Brunei and beyond.”