Exploiting the riches of our rainforests
Brunei's forestry authorities are seriously thinking of exploiting the highly valuable resource of the nation's forests as another source of income for the country, which until now still depend almost wholly on oil and gas.
The forestry sector in 1996 contributed only $22.3 million to the national GDP. The figure increased to $27 million in the year 2000, or about 0.3 percent of the GDP. However, the relevant authorities now see that there is a high economic potential to tap into the riches of the Brunei forests.
The authorities, it was learnt, are eyeing the possibility of exporting resource from Brunei's rich natural rainforests to Europe. About 81 percent of the Brunei land area are still covered by forests, making it one of the most forested countries in Southeast Asia. Brunei's forests are home to some 5,000 species of flora including 2,000 species of trees.
Many of these rainforest treasures are of high commercial values. But to trade these forest products in the international market, Brunei would need to first comply with stringent international regulations on forest management, production and conservation.
Brunei conducts a so-called 'Five Stars' programme to manage, protect and conserve its forests while ensuring that the green treasures would also benefit the nation, not only ecologically but also economically.
"However, the current forest management and development policies and programmes are not adequate if we are to tap into the commercial values of the forests," observed several Brunei forestry officials.
"We might need to enhance our policies and programmes to make them in line with international standards. This is important if Brunei were to globalise its forestry industry, and turn it into an attractive income-generating sector," they added.
"There are various forest products, especially those derived from genetic resources through the appropriate application of biotechnology, that can contribute to the future economy of this country," said Dr Idris Mohd Said from the National Herbarium of Brunei Forestry Centre in Sungai Liang.
"With well-planned programmes, it might also be possible for Brunei to export high quality timber or other forest-based products, without having to go through certification difficulties," he added, while giving his support to the nation's initiative to adopt ITTO and C&I guidelines.
ITTO is the acronym for International Tropical Organisation, a body dedicated to the conservation and proper utilisation of tropical forest resources through sustainable management. C&I means 'Criteria and Indicators' by ITTO, which defines "sustainable forest management."
Dr Idris was among the local experts invited to present working papers at the four-day workshop on "The Development of Brunei Darussalam's Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management" currently taking place at the D' Anggerek Hotel in Berakas.
In his working paper, Dr Idris stated the potential is good if Brunei were to develop its forestry sector, in view of the pristine state of its forests. However, current forestry practice does not allow for profitable ventures, and a better approach is necessary to turn forestry into a truly income-generating sector in the future, he indicated.
By Malai Hassan Othman
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