THE Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative is crucial in addressing environmental concerns, while also possessing huge potential for sustainable economic development. It will also help towards ensuring Borneo’s green environment can be continuously enjoyed by generations to come.

The Deputy Sultan, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, put forward these points while delivering a sabda, as the guest of honour and Royal Patron of the Brunei Darussalam HoB National Council, at the opening ceremony of the Special Ministerial Meeting on the HoB initiative at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

The Deputy Sultan expressed his delight that a lot of progress had been made since the ministers responsible for the HoB initiative first met in Bali to sign the HoB Declaration in 2007, but stressed that there is still much to be done.

“I believe that more frequent high-level meetings such as this will help us to ensure that we will be able to meet our goals for the Heart of Borneo.”

The HoB, HRH said, is one of the key regional frontline measures being taken to address concerns on the degradation of our natural environment. Equally important is that it also contributes to sustainable economic development of the three countries involved.

“The richness of the Heart of Borneo’s biodiversity, both in terms of its flora and fauna, offers our countries bountiful opportunities,” said HRH. “It has the potential to provide us with an amazing source of knowledge and research opportunities that may enable us to produce new products for a wide number of industries.”

This, HRH explained, can range from pharmaceutical products to cure previously incurable diseases, to farm products that may improve agricultural yields without impacting on the environment and even products that will be of great use to Muslims around the world in the Halal product industry.

“I therefore sincerely urge that we explore them diligently,” HRH said. “The key to its successful development lies in our determination and endeavour to strengthen our capability in research, development and innovation.”

HRH added however, that, to reap the optimal benefit, the three countries need to work together as one, while simultaneously also engaging the more advanced institutions worldwide who can help catalyse their efforts and shorten the time frame to achieve tangible results.

These forms of partnerships, HRH said, should also emphasise the transfer of knowledge and introduction of new technology to enhance productivity.

“If properly managed, I believe that the Heart of Borneo region can be developed into the premier hub for research in life sciences, bio medicine and many other related areas as the raw materials for research are in abundance within out designated areas.

“Besides, our local scientists will have the opportunity to become leading pioneers and innovators in areas like herbal medicine, tropical forest ecology, the bio-industry and many others.”

The HoB can also become a model for conservation and the benchmark for best practices in environmental protection measures, HRH said.

“As we look to the future and the next generation of leaders, scientists and pioneers, it is clear that there is also an urgent need to continuously engage and educate our children and youths on the Heart of Borneo initiative.”

This, underlined HRH, is particularly so when it comes to the importance of conserving the natural environment and the long-term impact that the destruction of our rainforests will have on their quality of life.

“This form of engagement will not only work to ensure the continuity of our work here. But will also help to mould a new generation of leaders to come who are environmentally conscious.”

HRH also highlighted the additional need to increase the promotion of the HoB initiative beyond our national borders.

“In this regard, the proper exercise of branding and positioning will be crucial in attracting significant international funding, and the support of major global research institutions and other non-governmental friends and partners to support the Heart of Borneo initiatives.” - Borneo Bulletin (8 September 2013)