Cinema screening inspires hope, action for Brunei's seas
Attendees at the screening. - PONI DIVERS
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Over 450 individuals gathered to watch a cinema screening of Ocean by Sir David Attenborough at One Cineplex, OneCity Shopping Centre on Sunday (June 8) as part of the final day of the Brunei Ocean Exhibition, in conjunction with Ocean Week Brunei and in celebration of World Ocean Day.
Chief executive officer of Poni Divers Mohd Tahsin Wong, in his remarks, shared the positive actions of Ocean Week Brunei, highlighting that many marine life can also be found locally in Brunei waters, with pilot whales and rays also found at one of Brunei's northern-most reefs, Louisa Reef, 120 nautical miles away.
He noted that Brunei faces similar challenges with the ocean and that there has been promising progress.
Turtle sightings have increased after years of decline, and local authorities are taking steps to reduce bottom trawling. There is growing focus on blue carbon and Brunei's blue economy, which will be highlighted at the upcoming Ocean Sustainability Conference on June 16.
'Watching Ocean in Brunei on the big screen and on World Ocean Day was a unifying and emotional experience,' said one viewer.
'It reminds us that while the ocean may separate countries, it also connects us all.'
Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Ocean takes viewers on a visual journey through the hidden depths of the ocean, while confronting urgent environmental challenges such as climate change, habitat loss and plastic pollution.
Brunei is one of the few countries in Asia to host a public theatrical screening of the documentary – a reflection of the country's rising commitment to ocean awareness, marine sustainability and environmental leadership.
Meanwhile, 115 ocean supporters gathered for a 'Sea of Blue' photo session, symbolising unity, hope and collective responsibility for the future of the ocean.
The screening was hosted by Poni Divers, Poni Foundation, and LAUT Brunei, in partnership with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, with support from the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam.
Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Michael Hoy, Deputy British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Catherine Pochkhanavala-Cleeve, Ambassador of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam Marian Jocelyn R Tirol-Ignacio, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam Abel Guterres were present.
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Acting Director of Fisheries Wanidawati Tamat, Acting Director of Tourism Development Salinah Mohd Salleh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Consumer Banking at Baiduri Bank Manuel Bulens were also present. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
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