Forest Conservation Activity in Brunei
Nikkei Ecology, October 2001 |
Through the preservation of a primeval forest that is the natural habitat of many creatures, we contribute to conservation of the ecological system. This is a report on the forest conservation activity in Brunei promoted by Ricoh and an NPO. |
| In order to preserve the biodiversity of an endangered forest |
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A national park in Brunei where virgin mangrove forests are cultivated
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Now, the world forests are being rapidly lost. Japan has a forest area of 67% and is rich enough. But in comparison, the whole of Asia has an average of only 16%.
An environmental conservation group inspects extensive virgin mangrove forests at the Selirong Forest Recreation Park in Brunei Bay
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The issue of diminishing tropical rain forests is particularly serious in terms of biodiversity conservation. Most of the lumber exported from the tropical zone is consumed in our country, constituting one factor in the decrease of tropical forests.Consequently, Ricoh is actively developing activity in Asia with the main focus on the conservation of the existing primeval forest.
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| Globally scarce mangrove forest in Brunei |
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Brunei, which is located on Borneo Island, is a rich country with vast petroleum and natural gas resources. It was unnecessary to earn foreign money through forest cutting; therefore, about 81% of the land is still covered by tropical rain forests. Particularly, the mangrove forest along the seashore,
Information and friendship are exchanged with people from the Forestry Department of Brunei to pave the way for future environmental conservation activities.
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which reaches the height of 30m or more, is the world's largest primeval forest that is still in good condition and it is the habitat of variety of creatures including aquatic creatures. But it is pure luck that this primeval forest remains. Many people in Brunei did not realize the precious value of the forest that fosters biodiversity and is important for the future of human beings. In the near future, forest destruction due to development could happen at any time.Specific conservation activity is needed.
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| Conservation activity close to the locality promoted with an NPO |
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| Under a partnership with "Ramsar Center", an NPO based in Tokyo that was paying special attention to the importance of this primeval forest, Ricoh started conservation activity of the mangrove primeval forest in August 2000. To inform the world of the existence of this precious primeval forest and to have its value realized by governments and nations are the outline of activity. Subsidies given to the Forest Authority of Brunei are effectively used for investigations run by the Forest Authority and Brunei University, for holding workshops to learn about wetland conservation for other purposes. The Forest Authority of Brunei realized the importance of the mangrove forest and started to apply for registration of the wetland under the Ramsar Convention and world natural heritage registration. |
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| We will contribute to the conservation of the ecological system in various parts of the world. |
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| Conservation of the ecological system of a region could not be realized without the understanding and cooperation of the people who live there. For this purpose, not only environmental education, but also eco tours and other support for the region are very important. On such a basis, also in the future, Ricoh as an earth citizen will protect the irreplaceable planet, while promoting forest conservation activities everywhere in the world. |
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