Shark Guardian was invited to the National Environment Conference in Brunei as an honored guest, speaker and to take part in an open forum discussion on marine biodiversity and shark conservation. Shark Guardian was aiming to encourage government ministers, present at the conference to develop and initiate shark sanctuaries in Brunei following the "Eco Tourism" example of other nations such as Palau, Hawaii and Maldives.

The 4th National Environment Conference (NEC) 2011 took place on 8th June at the Rizqun International Hotel. It was organised by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Alcoa, ButraHeidelbergCement, Total E&P and HSBC, and with the support from Borneo Bulletin and MediaPermata. NEC is the country’s premier and largest conference on environmental economic sustainability.

Themed ‘Green Brunei: New Ideas for a Sustainable Country’, the conference aimed to provide a platform for engaging the public and private sectors on the issues of environmental stewardship, natural resources management and green business for a sustainable future.

Yesterday’s morning session began with the opening keynote address by guest of honour, Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Suyoi bin Hj Osman.

It was followed by a session on marine biodiversity that looked at how Brunei can develop its marine resources in an environmentally and economically sustainable way.

This session also saw a short presentation by founder of The Shark Guardian, Brendon Sing.

The presentation was followed by an open forum discussion with Director of Public Strategy and Business Development Far East, Alcoa Global Primary Products GEBA, Wade Hughes, Shark Guardian founder - Brendon Sing and Rizan Latif, President of Beach Bunch.

The minister also officiated the opening of the event’s Green Exhibition 2011 and toured around the participating booths which include Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, HSBC, Department of Agriculture andAgrifood as well as secondary schools.

Among others that were also present at the event were Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Development, Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos (Administration and Finance) and HjSuhaimi bin Hj Gafar (Technical and Professional) and Deputy Permanent Secretary Awg Eddy DatoPaduka Hj Sunny.

--courtesy of Borneo Bulletin--