James Kon
Climate change issues should be addressed through a whole-of-nation approach by supporting Brunei Darussalam Government’s initiative while also proactively conducting own activities, K N Nursery (B) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Patrick Lau said.
He made these comments at the official launch of Rimba Garden Central’s (RGC) Green Avenue to commemorate World Ozone Day 2020 yesterday.
Lau said the ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun.
“In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was thinning increasing the risk of detrimental effects such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels and unpredictable weather conditions,” he said.
Increased UV radiation levels on the earth’s surface also affect human health, causing certain types of skin cancer, cataract and immune deficiency disorders. It also affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, food chains and biochemical cycles and plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity, Lau said.
He said in 2007, the government signed a declaration to conserve the Heart of Borneo, emphasising in planting more saplings in Brunei forests and protecting areas from unchecked human activities such as deforestation which contributes to increased global temperature, air pollution and the extinction of flora and fauna.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong and Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar received 200 local dipterocarp tree seedlings during the official launch of Rimba Garden Central’s Green Avenue from Lau yesterday.
The launch of Green Avenue is aimed to raise awareness on how plants can positively affect the Earth’s climate as well as protecting the ozone layer by making ornamental plants and tree seedlings more accessible and affordable to the public.
In support of Brunei Government’s ongoing tree planting initiative, RGC is contributing 200 local dipterocarp tree seedlings to the Ministry of Development and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, Deputy Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Ar Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin, Green Building Council President Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas and guests also participated.
