Green debate sought among stakeholders

Key findings from a recent environment conference are hoped to generate dialogues among stakeholders, Asia Inc Forum said.

"We're certainly keen to follow up on that," said Andrew Dy, general manager of Asia Inc Forum, of whether any dialogues would arise from the six key findings at the National Environment Conference.

The findings dealt on developing measures on sustainability, energy subsidies, the role of education, the role of technology, incentives, and the role of institutional arrangements.

"We've sent a physical copy of this (the report) to key organisations such as Total SA, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), the Centre for Strategies and Policies Studies (CSPS), the Ministry of Development, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam," Dy said, adding that if there was any feedback on the six key findings, then Asia Inc Forum would take action in organising something to address the issue.

"Depending on the responses then we'll take it from there," he said.

Dr Diana Cheong, senior researcher at CSPS, said of the key findings, "CSPS takes note of the findings which are very useful and timely to support their ongoing research".

On the role of education, Cheong noted that Brunei needs to become a more energy-conscious culture, reiterating previous statements that education is key, but it is not enough.

According to Asia Inc Forum's report, environmental education is a powerful tool in altering public perception and behaviour of an unsustainable lifestyle, towards more sustainable living such as, more responsible consumption and encouraging recycling.

"Environmental education needs to be integrated into the system," Cheong said, noting that the National Education System of the 21st Century (SPN21), already addresses this issue in the long term but there needed to be something for the more immediate future.

It needs to be a multi-disciplinary approach to accelerate the pace of progress.

Cheong added that the subject of incentives was also very important, as "policies and regulatory frameworks must be quickly put into place to encourage a move towards a more environmentally conscious culture".

In terms of incentives, Cheong said the idea that it is down to the individual to make a change should be widened. "It's not only confined to the individual, but they should be looking to the big companies and manufacturers, as these are the biggest consumers of energy".

This year's theme for the National Environment Conference was "Sustainability or Growth: Can We Have Both?" and featured local and overseas figures and thought leaders, on confronting the tough choices and trade-offs in favour of the environment and sustainable economic development.

Speakers include Dorjee Sun, chief executive officer of Singapore-based company Carbon Conservation Pte Ltd, who shared his knowledge on carbon markets and the green economy and what Bruneians can reap from it, and Janice Larson, director of Renewable Energy from British Columbia, Canada. -Ying Chia

The Brunei Times