Conservation

= US eyes cooperation with Brunei in protecting marine biodiversity = = =

Thursday, February 2, 2012

UNITED States Ambassador to Brunei, Daniel L Shields III yesterday paid a visit to the Turtle Conservation and Management Centre in Serasa to gain deeper understanding on the marine conservation efforts in the country.

During the visit, the US ambassador together with the Public Affairs Chief of the US embassy, Deidra Avendasora were briefed by the Head of Conservation and Management of the Fisheries Department, Sheikh Al-Idrus Sheikh Nikman, on the three species of sea turtles that are usually found in the waters of Brunei and the various conservation programmes being undertaken by the Fisheries Department to ensure the survival of these endangered species.

According to Sheikh Al-Idrus, the three species of sea turtles commonly found in Brunei waters are the Green Turtle (Cheloniamydas), the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelysimbricata) and the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelysolivacea).

He said that out of these three species, the Hawksbill species is the most expensive, particularly prized in Vietnam for its amber and black-hued shell.

Following the briefing, the US envoy went on to view the turtle rearing tanks, where both have the opportunity to feed the turtles. He also had the chance to tag one of the turtles himself during the tour of the turtle rearing tanks.

Speaking to the media about the objective of their visit, the US ambassador said that one of the key areas for cooperation between universities in the US and Brunei is biodiversity.

He said that ensuring the continuity of biodiversity found in Brunei includes protecting the sea and its marine life. These conservation efforts, he said, are not only important for South East Asia, but also for the world.

"So what we are focusing on right now is to promote a range of cooperation between Brunei and the US in the area of conservation," he said.

"We are particularly interested in the Heart of Borneo project," he added and went on to say that just a couple of days ago, they visited the PintuMalim Primary School to learn with the Fisheries Department about conservation and protection of water."

"The endeavour was to raise awareness about water (among the students and other participants)," he said, adding that the conservation of water and marine life like sea turtles are "profoundly" inter-related.

See: ECo-Adventure: Brunei Bay Mangroves Also: Benefits of mangroves in Brunei Bay