| Daniel Lim |
A HORNBILL Day celebration was held at the residence of Dr Ceri Powell, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company (BSP) Sdn Bhd in Panaga, Seria.
The Hornbill Day saw Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS), and Panaga Photographic Society (PPS), with the support of BSP, organising events and activities leading up to the celebration held at the venue, which included a photography competition, a series of activities held at local schools, as well as the opportunity to sponsor and build a Hornbill nest box.
Attending the event as the guest of honour was Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Also present at the event were Shari bin Haji Hussin, Acting Director of Forestry; Mardani bin Haji Mahadi, Acting Head of Wildlife Division; Hans Dole, Honorary Chairman of PNHS; senior government officials, BSP leaders, principals, teachers, Brunei Biodiversity and Natural History Society (BruWILD) members, and winners of the photography competition.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, and Doa Selamat; followed by a welcoming speech by Dr Ceri Powell, where she expressed her gratitude to be able to host a wonderful and momentous occasion.
“We have the pleasure to not only showcase the photographs taken by the contestants in the photography competition, but also award the top two photographs for each of the category, which include Hornbills in Brunei, Wildlife in Brunei, and Landscape in Brunei,” she explained.
She noted that BSP is always committed to protecting the environment, and help the world move towards a lower carbon future. “Our core value of honesty, integrity, and respect for people underpin our decision, and actions.”
She also said that BSP will continue to support and organise events to further promote environmental conservation and increase environmental consciousness in Brunei, to benefit the future generation.
Her speech was followed by the announcement of the winners of the photographic competition, where the guest of honour handed prizes to the winners, accompanied by the Managing Director of BSP.
More than 300 photos were received in the competition.
In the Hornbills in Brunei category, Tina Graham won first place, followed by Marloes Stigborg. Alishahrin bin Haji Mumin, and Dr Ravinarayana CS, were placed first and second in the Wildlife in Brunei category.
The Landscape in Brunei Category saw Pengiran Sulaiman bin Pengiran Anom being placed first with his photo submission, followed by Pengiran Haji Sulaiman bin Pengiran Md Salleh.
The photos will be exhibited throughout Brunei, with the aim of celebrating Brunei’s wildlife.
Hans Dole delivered a keynote presentation following the announcement of the winners, where he explained the history as well as the characteristics and aspects of the hornbills found in Brunei.
A Hornbill Nest Box was also officiated by Dr Haji Abdul Manaf in a ribbon cutting ceremony, which will allow the PNHS Hornbill Nest Box conservation work to house future generations of hornbills.
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