'Environmental Protection Not A Burden To The Economy'
By Za'im Zaini 9 Sonia K

Bandar Seri Begawan - "I call on the business and corporate community to recognise that environmental protection conservation is neither an obstacle to economic growth nor a burden for the economy but offers opportunities for sustainable growth."

This was stated by Minister of Development, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdullah, in his keynote address at the launching of the Asia Pacific Aviation Environmental Forum 2006. The event was held at Indera Kayangan Ball Room, The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

The minister said there was a need to adopt sustainable development as an integral aspect of business management to keep the balance between social, economic and environmental requirements.

"I encourage the private sector and the business community to make use of environmental business opportunities, utilise environmental markets, adopt clean production technologies, develop environmentally sound and safe products, promote environmental goods and services, and adopt investment that supports sustainable development," he added.

Meanwhile, also delivering a keynote address was Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Dr Grahaeme Henderson. He said, "The increase in air travel contributes to economic growth in many countries. The flip side of this growth in transportation and other sectors is the negative impact on the environment. However, many industries are responding robustly with a range of measures designed to reduce their environmental footprint"

He added that the approach at Shell globally to achieve a sustainable energy supply is two-pronged. "Firstly, making the extraction and usage of fossil fuels much cleaner and secondly, the development of renewable energy sources in both areas. We have found that innovation and technology are not only important in tackling environmental concerns, but also support our continued success as a global energy business," Dr Henderson said.

The setting of environmental targets and measurement of performance is critical because it creates a mindset and expectation of continuous improvement, he added. "On all aspects of the environment, we work closely with the Brunei government to implement and support their policies.

The government has taken a strong lead in establishing clear environmental controls and policies, to protect the rich biodiversity of Brunei's flora and fauna. The success of these policies is demonstrated by the fact that the country has managed to maintain more than 80 per cent cover of virgin natural rain forest," he concluded.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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