US Hails Brunei For Signing Green Deal
By Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - After the historic agreement to conserve the "Heart of Borneo" was officially endorsed on January 12 this year by the heads of three Borneo Governments - Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia - a declaration on the initiative to work together to protect the unique rainforests of Borneo was signed yesterday in Bali.

A statement by leaders attending the Summit of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) a month ago outlined the importance of one of the most key centres of biological diversity in the world, covering approximately 220,000 square kilometres of equatorial rainforests and numerous wildlife species, shared by the three countries.

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mr Emil Skodon said, "The US congratulates the Government of Brunei for signing the Heart of Borneo Declaration, which was endorsed by His Majesty the Sultan during the recent Asean Summit in Cebu.

"The decision to sign the declaration shows the depth of Brunei's commitment to responsible management of its natural resources. The United States is proud to have already provided support for the Heart of Borneo initiative and hopes to continue its support in the future," he added.

In July 2006, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced a pledge of $100,000 to support this nascent regional initiative and its focus on combating illegal logging and wildlife trafficking. The first tranche of the US funds was distributed to the World Wildlife Fund to assist in the development with the three countries of a conservation plan for the Heart of Borneo. The remaining financial support will be disbursed through the International Tropical Timber Organisation for future projects to enhance transboundary collaboration under the initiative.

According to a press release from the Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam, United States' support for the Heart of Borneo initiative significantly enhances US international conservation objectives under the President's Initiative Against illegal Logging (PIAIL) and the Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking (CAWT). The PIAIL, launched in 2003, consolidates US government efforts, in alliance with industry and non-governmental organisations, to help develop countries improve forest governance and undertake sustainable forest management. The CAWT is a global partnership of governments and international and nongovernmental organisations dedicated to ending the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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