""If we waste Borneo's rainforests, we threaten our own lives. We must remain focused and committed to safeguarding more resources in order to preserve the world's remaining tropical rainforests - especially in the Heart of Borneo."

This was the message delivered by the Minister of Industry and Primary Industries of Brunei Darussalam, Pehin Yahya Bakar, while speaking at the Public Forum for the Protection of Heart of Borneo (HoB) Nature, held last September 5, 2012 at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore.

Expanding on his opening 'call to action' speech, Mr. Pehin called for the re-invigoration and refocusing of the three governments' visions for the Heart of Borneo, which were produced in Bali in 2007. The vision can be used for effective management of forest resources and conservation in the network of protected areas, productive forests and other sustainable land uses contained within the HoB, while maintaining the well-being of the people.

"The commitment of the signatory partner countries in the Bali Declaration in 2007 on the HoB Initiative needs to be focused and deepened by infusing new breath and blood into voluntary cooperation across national borders", according to Mr. Pehin.

He said that there is a real need to 'reconvene' the meeting between the ministers responsible for Forestry in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia to take stock of the achievements made so far, and to refresh the mandate of the HoB Declaration after five years of progress on HoB issues.

"There is a real need to 'reconvene' the meeting of Ministers responsible for Forestry in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Malaysia to take stock of the achievements made so far, and to refresh the mandate of the HoB Declaration after five years of progress on HoB issues." ~ Pehin Yahya Bakar (Minister of Industry and Primary Industries of Brunei Darussalam)
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Commit to more resources
Pehin Minister Yahya Bakar declared an important need to commit more resources to the program. Not only with influential countries, but also from the international community.

"Financial resources are needed to build and develop the capacity of local and ethnic communities. Financial resources are needed to conduct research, development and more importantly, to help minimize rainforest destruction and maximize benefits," he said.

He also said that we must also truly understand the value of the services that nature provides us - also known as natural capital - not only in terms of ecosystem services, but also in areas of bio-prospecting.

"Currently, only about 5% of forest micro-organisms have been explored and exploited", according to him.

Mr. Pehin also reminded that financial resources alone are not enough. He urged to also improve human resources, through one of the best avenues, education.

"We must continue education for the community at large. This is very important to maintain and sustain the community interest and momentum in the HoB Initiative, as there are many other interests that have destructive plans for the HoB. Our education sector has a great opportunity to truly empower us and future generations to make a difference", he said.