The two-year faunal biodiversity survey is backed by the Ministry of Primary Resources and sponsored by the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB).

The results from the faunal biodiversity survey, which will be conducted in two phases, is hoped to be enough to convince local authorities to fully protect the area and its wildlife by upgrading it into a national park, the project leader told The Brunei Times yesterday. At present, the area is known as the Sg Ingei Protection Forest.

"If we have enough data, we will approach the (government) to make it into a national park... so that everything is protected," said Dr Joseph Charles, a senior lecturer of UBD's Biology Department, who had been preparing for the project for two years. From there, they can then consider introducing ecotourism into the area.

"But we will suggest where the ecotourism can be conducted. It all has to be controlled and regulated," he added.

A ceremony was held yesterday morning at the university's Chancellor Hall to flag off the expedition, which has more than 35 participants. The Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, was among those present along with senior officials from the ministry as well as the management of SCB.

The funds for the project are derived from the bank's US$500,000 prize donation from the Race for a Living Planet Environment Challenge, which Brunei won earlier this year for its Heart of Borneo initiative.

SCB CEO Danny Quah said in a press statement, "Today sees us celebrating a landmark event as we flag-off the team who will venture into the rich forests of Sungai Ingei area of Ulu Belait."

The first group of 14 people with two weeks of supplies left for Sungai Ingei Protection Forest yesterday from the jetty in Bukit Sawat. Tomorrow, the next batch of UBD students and researchers will make their way to the base camp.

The first expedition is expected to return on July 20. The second expedition is scheduled to be carried out around the same time next year, when the team will be joined by selected scientists from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

"This is the first expedition of its kind," Dr Charles explained.

He added: "We will publish a comprehensive scientific report, specialist scientific papers, and if funds are available, a coffee table book intended for the global market to help create awareness of Brunei's wonderful forests."

"I now speak for all members of the expedition when I say, 'we are here today with our hearts pounding with excitement to start the expedition, while passion leads the way'."

The Brunei Times

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