BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 15th April 2026 – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) reinforces its commitment to sustainability through Rooting for the Future, an internal initiative that aims to expand green spaces and strengthen climate resilience, with a target of planting 1,985 trees over the period of 2025 to 2027.
More than increasing tree numbers, by prioritising native species with high conservation value, the initiative supports local biodiversity, improves natural habitats, and contributes to more sustainable landscapes that can better withstand environmental change.
The Leadership Series, as part of the broader Rooting for the Future programme, began with a campus-wide and community-driven planting activity on 15th April 2026 where 40 trees were planted to commemorate UBD’s 40th Anniversary. The activity encourages sustained and collective action towards environmental stewardship while in alignment with the UBD Sustainability Masterplan and the Brunei National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP).
The saplings consisted of 30 native species including Tristaniopsis obovata (Selunsor), Calophyllum inophyllum (Bintangor Laut), Gymnostoma nobile (Pokok Rhu), Barringtonia racemosa (Putat Laut); and 10 ornamental plant species such as Samanea saman (Pokok Hujan-hujan), Cassia fistula (Pokok Hujan Emas), Lagerstroemia langkawiensis (Bungor Langkawi), Juniperus sp. (Pokok Juniper) and Podocarpus sp. (Pokok Podokarpus).
Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, Curator of UBD Botanical Research Centre (BRC) shares, “One of the main reasons why we decided to prioritise native saplings is to make sure that the species are suited to the campus’ natural habitat. By taking into consideration that UBD was found on rare Kerangas (heath) forest, the campus soil is already naturally sandy and poor in nutrients; not many species would thrive in these circumstances. Hence, by choosing native species in the forest with the same soil conditions, it allows for the plant to get a heads up.”
The programme featured participation from the UBD Vice-Chancellor, Dr Hazri Haji Kifle and Principal Officers, demonstrating strong institutional leadership and collective responsibility in promoting sustainable practices and advancing environmental conservation on campus.
Beyond planting, the initiative creates opportunities for participants to stay involved through volunteering, monitoring tree growth, and supporting environmental research. These efforts aim to deepen understanding of how ecosystems develop over time and why long-term care is essential to their success. Thus, further strengthening UBD’s position as a ‘University in the Heart of a Living Forest.’
“Our main aim is to raise awareness and we do this by giving more than just a tree planting activity, but to experience what it’s like to be scientists for a day, ” said Associate Professor Dr Rahayu, “we are using this as an opportunity to trigger inspiration within the community and escalate grassroots conservation efforts in other places in Brunei”.
Furthermore, the Rooting for the Future programme is part of a wider effort that will progressively involve students, staff, alumni, and partners to contribute under the Community Series, shifting the initiative from a single activity into a shared movement. Participants involved would also receive recognition through inclusion in the Rooting for the Future commemorative wall. The Rooting for the Future – Leadership Series reflects UBD’s continued efforts to foster a culture of sustainability while encouraging leadership-driven initiatives that contribute to a greener and more resilient campus environment.
