Minister opens Green Port Initiatives campaign

Bandar Seri Begawan - "The role and contributions of the maritime sector in meeting its goals and targets have gained more significance. Towards this end, it is fair that activities associated with this critical sector be planned, managed and operated based on the philosophy of environmentally friendly to ensure that maritime assets and resources are conserved for future' generations."

The Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, said this in a speech during the opening of the Green Port Initiatives campaign at the open space area of the Ports Department in Muara yesterday.

"With the introduction of the Maritime Plan Index, it will further develop the maritime industry in the country and consequently help fulfil the goals which are envisioned in a proper and effective manner," the minister added.

With the emergence of the nation's economy to be in a position among the world's major trading countries, interest in the maritime sector and its dependence on the country has risen to the surface. The commercial value of ports has grown rapidly.

Based on the significance of the maritime sector towards the economic prosperity of Brunei, the minister said that it is critical that the nation must maintain and elevate efforts to balance the growth of this sector with development and preservation of marine resources as well as environmental preservation.

"Environmental preservation should be focused on certain elements in the development, implementation, administration and monitoring of maritime economic activities through effective steps such as 'Environmental Impact Assessment' for every development-related project in maritime. Clear and thorough planning must be stressed in the management of port surroundings including suppressing and reducing pollution in coastal areas," the minister said.

The Ministry of Communications is mainly concerned with addressing and handling environmental issues connected to the industrial sector in transportation. The issue is also unambiguously aligned with the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Communications, which is centred towards a clean and safe environment.

The Green Port Initiative will support the fulfilment of the vision by preparing an action plan based on good international practices and management programmes relating to environment, safety and health towards developing maritime activities through the concept and principles of sustainability and sustainable development.

The minister explained that the green initiative in ports is not only limited to environmental preservation and its resources, but also includes management in human and financial resources as well as physical development.

The Ports Department has taken a voluntary step in its commitment to environmental excellence with the (GO) pilot programme aimed at operators engaged in port operations activities and to take measures on any future port development projects to reduce carbon footprint.