BSP's role in protecting Brunei's environment

ALTHOUGH Brunei Shell Petroleum's (BSP) main focus is on producing oil and gas in the Sultanate, it has also been playing an active role in environmental conservations by sponsoring initiatives relating to the matter.

On October 28 last year, BSP sponsored $500,000 for the Heart of Borneo (HoB) project to support the environmental conservation initiative.

During the hand-over ceremony at that time, BSP's Managing Director Dr Grahaeme Henderson said: "BSP has played a pivotal role in Brunei's HoB project," adding the firm is proud to have been the initiating partner, with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR).

Among its environment protection initiatives are wildlife protection and wetland conservation.

Dr Henderson said BSP also supports the government's drive to promote ecotourism in Brunei.

This contribution includes sponsoring wall pictures and providing funding for international events.

BSP started the project at the onset during the project implementation framework phase.

Its contribution now covers technical assistance through mapping and satellite interpretation and allowing its geologists to collaborate with the MIPR and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

In 2008, the Sultanate's largest oil and gas producer won the Shell Global Chief Executive's HSSE Award 2008, a first for the company and in Brunei, for their work in improving environmental operational performance and the significant contribution they made on Brunei's environment.

The award recognised BSP for outstanding environmental work among Shell companies, and also being the one winning from the Asia-Pacific region.

BSP has been working directly with the communities around its operation in a whole range of environmental initiatives, from tree-planting programmes to beach clean-ups and wildlife monitoring.

The company has also been studying the migratory path of egrets (a type of bird) and has worked with the WWF and Wetlands International, and in partnership with the Panaga Natural History Society, to keep track of the numbers and nesting habits of the birds in Brunei.

"Everyone in BSP is proud of winning the Shell Chief Executive HSSE Award, as our impressive work on the environmental has been recognised at an international level. Winning this award also immediately raises Brunei's profile on the environmental map," said Dr Henderson.

The company also offers its resources and expertise to government stakeholders for projects that promote environmental sustainability.

"Environmental imperatives are routinely factored into all major business decisions and we continue to make significant progress in key areas of our environmental performance across our operations," he said.

This includes sponsoring the research centre in the Temburong National Park, scientific studies at UBD and Museum Brunei and the Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award (PRYNSA).

In July 2008, BSP sponsored the winning trophy for the 10th PRYNSA award ceremony.

PRYNSA, organised in 1997, aims to nurture excellence among the younger generation in the country especially in the field of natural sciences.

The Brunei Times