Asean youth envoys touch base via Internet

INTERNET-based communications medium such as online hosted forums or webpages can be possible methods of communication for environmental youth envoys, said Brunei's representative during yesterday's "Asean Plus Three Environment Forum 2010" country presentation sessions, held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Nurul Azimah Hj Ishan Khalil, who was accompanied by fellow Brunei representative Muhammad Farhan Azama, said that each of the Asean Plus Three countries can set up their own country page within the web portal which will allow the youths to share and contribute ideas on environment matters via Internet discussions, forum, video and picture sharing.

During her 15-minute presentation, Nurul Azimah informed the participants of the different current environmental issues faced by Brunei which includes reducing the country's carbon footprint, rethinking waste management, food security and conserving biodiversity and natural resources, among others.

"We are trying to reduce waste generation through the three Es, education, engagement and empowerment," she said, adding that other suggestions include monitoring and patrolling open burning, awareness campaign in schools, sustainable paddy plantations and school awareness programmes.

With this in mind, she reminded the participants on the role of youths in protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

"We have to participate and support activities done by the government independently or through schools. We must also take up any opportunity to contribute for the betterment of the environment (by) initiating or assisting in environmental events or activities.

The second day of the forum began with a recap of all the previous day's event which saw presentations from both local and foreign guest speakers. This was followed by a 15-minute paper presentations from all the participating countries.

The forum which was attended by some 140 participants, aged 15 to 25 comprising 60 youths from the Asean countries, Japan, China and Korea and 80 youths from Brunei, continues today and is scheduled to end on April 25.

The Brunei Times