Beach Bunch Forum on coastal environments in Brunei

Guest Blogger today is Rizan Latif, the leader of Beach Bunch, an environmental NGO. Here is what he has to say about the latest findings.

Recreation, when properly planned and managed, can minimise impacts on coastal environments and serve as a driving force in bringing sustainable tourism as a vehicle of development to local communities and destinations. Tourism and recreation associated with “sea and sun”, is recognised as an essential component of domestic and international trade and a major contributor to economic growth. However, the costs associated with unplanned and/or poorly managed tourism can also be felt. Losses in traditional and indigenous ways of life, environmental quality, and the natural resource base, which ultimately supports tourism development, are some of the concerns raised. Brunei is no exception to the current dilemma it is facing where government, NGOs, communities and business should incorporate sustainability as one of the core values to drive not just the tourism industry but also the local community. The Beach Bunch Forum was held on 29 March 2014. A presentation on the findings of Brunei’s beaches against International Best Practices Management was talked about at the Empire Hotel. The British High Commissioner attended the Forum.

One of our invited speakers, Derek Singleton from Torbay Council presented on Beach Management Practices in UK last December. This had made a great impact during the MOD and MIPR meetings and as a result, we welcomed Derek back to Brunei for a second visit to conduct a formal assessment of Brunei’s beaches in terms of management against world’s best practices. He was sponsored by the British High Commission to come to Brunei.

Torbay Council is the local authority of Torbay in Devon, England. One of the great beauties of Torbay is its unspoilt coastline offering some breath-taking views. Along a 22 mile stretch, over 20 safe beaches and secluded coves comprise the aptly named English Riviera. Torbay is a UK national leader in beach awards and has gained the most awards in Great Britain on a number of occasions which includes Blue Flag Award, Keep Britain Tidy Seaside Award and Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide on its 14 beaches.

Derek Singleton is the Resort Services Manager of Torbay Council. He has worked for local authorities for 25 years and is a member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. He joined Torbay Council in 1999 as an operational beach manager based on one of the larger beaches in Torbay. Over the next 9 years he became involved in Beach Awards, Health and Safety and Water Quality before taking over as the council’s senior manager for Resort Services and Beach Management in 2008.

Beach Bunch will be reporting it’s assessment of the current 15 beaches in Brunei against world best practice and UK practice on coastal/beach management for public/recreational usage. The assessment will look at information availability, environmental management, safety and services. The project’s scope will be the 15 selected beaches which include Serasa, Muara, Meragang, Berakas, Tungku, Jerudong, Empire, Seri Kenangan, Penanjong, Telisai, Sg Liang, Lumut, Panaga, Seria and Kuala Belait. The results of the assessment and recommendations for improvements will be shared.