As part of their ongoing efforts to protect the environment, Brunei Shell Petroleum and HSBC partnered with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources donated separately two cheques of BND 500,000 each amounting to BND 1,000,000.

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah was the guest oh honour yesterday at the sponsorship presentation ceremony for the Heart of Borneo.

The ceremony was held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong. First to present the sponsorship was Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum.

Followed by HSBC's Mr Tareq Muhmood, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei. HSBC presented their sponsorship of BND $500,000.

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah received the cheques which she later presented to Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah Haji Abdul Wahab, Acting Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and also Chairman of the Brunei Darussalam Heart of Borneo (HoB) National Council.

Prior to the presentation, Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah in his opening remarks said, "Our current efforts are focused on setting up the Heart of Borneo Brunei Centre. We are sourcing an internationally recognised conservation expert to lead the operations of the Centre, who will help manage it together with our own team of experts from MIPR and other relevant government departments as well as partners from the private sector.

"Among the top priorities of the Heart of Borneo Brunei Centre would be to take forward the recommendations outlined in the Project Implementation Framework and ensure that they are translated into concrete actions on the ground."

Meanwhile, Dr Grahaeme Henderson said, "Brunei Shell Petroleum has played a pivotal role in Brunei's Heart of Borneo project. We are proud to have been the initiating partner, with the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, when the Heart of Borneo project was still on the drawing board".

"Brunei Shell Petroleum's contribution towards the heart of Borneo started with the funding of the Project Implementation Framework phase. We have also extended technical assistance through mapping and satellite interpretation, together with the secondment of one of our geologists to work with the teams from MIPR and the World Wildlife Fund."

Dr Henderson continued, "Brunei Shell Petroleum, together with the Royal Dutch Shell Group, is happy to team up with HSBC and support MIPR in establishing the Heart of Borneo Centre. The Royal Dutch Shell Group has generously agreed to provide sponsorship of BND $0.5 million over a two year period and we will continue to provide assistance wherever we can".

Mr Tareq Muhmood meanwhile said, "Today is much more important than just handing over a contribution. It is the early steps in a journey towards a sustainable future. HSBC's roles in the Heart of Borneo initiatives are two-fold: putting the infrastructure in place to move the HoB initiatives forward and funding the field experiments on the long term effects of climate change led by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the Universiti Brunei Darussalam”.

The event also saw a video presentation by BSP and HSBC entitled 'Our Commitment to Sustainable Environment' and a pesambah presented to HRH Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah by both Dr Grahaeme Henderson and Tareq Muhmood.

Dr Grahaeme Henderson also presented a HoB Project Implementation Framework Negara Brunei Darussalam Final Report to Her Royal Highness.

Brunei Darussalam boasts some of the world's most well-preserved and pristine environment. It has a rich biodiversity and is still largely intact which demonstrated the Government of Brunei's prudent conservation policies.