MALAYSIA – The BARMM’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy recently participated in a 5-day workshop organized by the Asian Development Bank. The workshop, titled “Fostering Coastal Resilience and the Blue Economy,” took place in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia from November 13-17. This marked a significant milestone for the ministry as it was their first active engagement in such a program.

The workshop aims to develop strategies and initiatives that promote sustainable development, enhance climate change adaptation, and improve the well-being of coastal communities. It is also particularly important as the BIMP-EAGA and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) encompass biodiverse marine ecosystems that contribute to the continued sustainable economic growth and development of the two sub-regions. Recognizing the significance of coastal resilience and the potential of the blue economy, the workshop aimed to address these challenges and promote sustainable development.

Moreover, the said workshop provided a platform for MENRE to share their insights and learn from other experts in the field. The workshop discussed and explored opportunities for fostering coastal resilience and promoting sustainable ocean environments in the region.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government agencies and international organizations. Representing MENRE were Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research and Development Services (BERDS) Director Mohamad Ali R. Dimaren and BERDS Protected Area Management Division Chief Joeffry L. Kamid.

The workshop was implemented under Technical Assistance 9572, aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of sub-regional programs in Southeast Asia, particularly within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

The MENRE’s participation in the workshop highlights its commitment to promoting sustainable coastal practices and harnessing the potential of the blue economy for the region’s socio-economic growth. It also shows their dedication to working with other key stakeholders to address the challenges of coastal resilience and support the development of sustainable ocean environments.