On 23rd June 2025, Green Brunei, in partnership with the European Union, organised a nature walk at Berakas Forest Reserve. The event brought together over 80 participants from diplomatic missions, government agencies and the public for a meaningful experience of Brunei’s coastal forest landscape while promoting physical wellness and environmental appreciation.
The ceremony opened with the keynote speech from Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. She emphasised Brunei Darussalam’s national strategy reflects these priorities through the National Forest Policy and the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) currently 72% of forest cover in Brunei’s land and a national commitment to designate at least 55% as forest reserves. As part of Brunei’s climate action efforts, a total of 186,698 trees were planted as of 14 June 2025, progressing steadily toward its national target of 500,000 trees by 2035.
Sander Happaerts, Green and Digital Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam and the EU Mission to ASEAN further reinforced the nature walk as a celebration of the strengthened EU-Brunei partnership and our shared commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
The nature walk was led by members from BruWild, providing participants with valuable insights into Brunei’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage through the introduction of native plant species, some traditionally used for medicinal purposes, others once commonly used for wrapping food, highlighting the deep connection between nature and local traditions.
This nature walk initiative forms part of Brunei’s nature-based solutions under the BNCCP, specifically Key Strategy 10, which focuses on enhancing environmental awareness and education related to both mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change. It also aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal, particularly those outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which emphasizes the preservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity.
