How oil saved the forests
Borneo. Just the name conjures images of tangled thicket, ambushing tribes, headhunters and odd-looking wildlife. No other geographic location comes with such an exotic cachet attached. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states that three new species are found on average every month in Borneo. In the 15 years from 1995 to 2010, 500 new species were identified. Such is the significance of the Borneo wilderness.
If you had looked at Borneo via satellite before 1950, you would have seen an island of lush green. Today, many of the trees that made Borneo so rugged have been felled. Illegal logging has a lot to answer for, with 56% of protected tropical rainforest in the Indonesian state of Kalimantan wiped out between 1985 and 2001. Palm oil production is a growing threat with 85% of the world's plantations located in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The small sultanate of Brunei, however, remains the exception on the satellite images; a darker patch of green set amid the increasingly barren geography of Borneo. More than 70% of Brunei is primary rainforest, of which 32,000 hectares are forest reserves and 50,000 hectares are national parks. So, how has Brunei managed to maintain pristine tracts of virgin rainforest?
It can't hurt that Brunei is the fifth richest country in the world according to Forbes magazine. It all began with the discovery of oil in Padang Berawa back in 1929. Black gold flowed freely in those heady early years of oil prospecting and Brunei's wealth grew rapidly. "This created a lot of possibilities for the government, especially for the protection of the rainforest and the setting up of new departments that are related and acted as a police in maintaining the rainforest," Freme Travel Services Brunei inbound tour manager Sugumaran Nair told Travel Weekly.
Brunei was also involved in the WWF's Heart of Borneo agreement, a project that conserves 220,000 square kilometres of rainforest, which amounts to a third of the island. This network of protected areas as well as sustainably managed forest is adhered to by Brunei, of which Ulu Temburong National Park is a signatory.
Ecotourism is a crucial aspect of Brunei's pulling power. Rapid urban development as well as population growth is sure to put some strain on these eco values, however, Nair is optimistic about ecotourism's future. "The government of His Majesty highlighted the established policy in preserving the natural environment in Brunei and to diversify Brunei's economy, particularly in tourism," he said.
There are six natural areas in Brunei that are protected reserves. The government has also worked to maintain wildlife zones near urban areas. They have protected mangrove forests near the water villages and the Damuan River is home to the proboscis monkey as well as saltwater and false gharial crocodiles – a lure to tourists and a boon for the local tourism industry.
Protection laws are well enforced too, meaning that the perils of illegal logging and wildlife trade are not problems faced in Brunei. The citizens are also cushioned by a social welfare system, no tax and high employment. The incentive to exploit nature simply doesn't exist.
Respect for the rainforest starts with education in Brunei, and it is part of the school syllabus. Nair said that students at the University of Brunei Darussalam established the Brunei Nature Society and take part in tree-planting activities.
There has been much speculation about the future of Brunei's environment if the oil and gas resources expire. Nair acknowledged there has been "huge hype" regarding this issue. The government has looked at alternatives, one of which is the abundance of silica sand in the Tutong district. Overseas investors are very interested in this resource which is used to make silicon microchips.
The carpet of green is best observed in Brunei's Ulu Temburong National Park. While it's no satellite perspective, the canopy walkway comes close enough. At 60 metres and 610 steps into the atmosphere, 360 degrees of green is your reward – a view that becomes rarer and more diminished in the rest of Borneo by the second.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck introduces two new itineraries – Istanbul to Athens and Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily – as part of its 2025 plans for its river cruising and small ship ocean cruising. With a busy year ahead, Tauck will also be boosting its capacity on the River Seine. In small ship ocean cruising, Tauck will […]
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Railbookers has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries which feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching in 2025. Travellers will enjoy everything the new train has to offer, combined with curated hotel accommodation and sightseeing activities for the complete Italian luxury holiday. “We’re excited to bring our expertise and […]
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and pop a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
Auckland Airport has revealed a first detailed look at the planned interior for the city’s future new domestic jet terminal and what it will deliver for coming generations of passengers. Expected to open by 2030 the terminal takes design cues from the Manukau Harbour and surrounding landscape include a range of modern airport services. “Easy […]
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Air New Zealand cabin crew used sign language to communicate with passengers, including signing the inflight announcements and onboard service offerings, in a world-first to mark the beginning of New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 6-12 May. Customers on NZ421 from Auckland to Wellington were also encouraged to give New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) a […]
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
Holland America Line is offering a “Win The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience” as its latest incentive to lure Aussie cruisers to the northern hemisphere hotspot. One lucky winner will embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the perfectly mid-sized Koningsdam, departing from Anchorage, Alaska on August 13, 2024, and arriving in Vancouver on August 24. The […]
Tag’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.