BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – An additional 60 native tree saplings, including endangered species found in Brunei Darussalam’s forests, are now growing across the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) campus, planted and measured so that scientists can track how they grow.
The planting was the first community event under UBD Rooting for the Future, a programme launched on 5th August 2025 to plant 1,985 trees in honour of UBD’s 40th Anniversary. It is a flagship project of the UBD Campus Greening Roadmap 2025-2030 under the UBD Sustainability Masterplan.
The saplings were donated by the Forestry Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and represent nine native tree species. They include the endangered Kapur Paya (Dryobalanops rappa), Tulong Tempatan (Agathis borneensis) and Merawan Ribu (Hopea vacciniifolia), as well as the Borean endemic Ru Runang (Gymnostoma nobile). They were planted at selected locations across campus, including the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC), which contributes to ex-situ conservation of native flora at UBD.
Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, Director of the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), said the planting connects conservation with campus life. “This initiative reflects UBD’s commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation into campus sustainability efforts. By planting native tree species, we are not only enhancing the ecological value of our campus but also creating opportunities for research, education and community engagement. We hope that these efforts will inspire greater appreciation for Brunei Darussalam’s native flora and encourage long-term stewardship of our natural environment,” she said.
Participants also collected baseline measurements of the new saplings. UBD BRC will use them to monitor tree survival and growth over the long term. The result is more green space and tree cover on campus, along with scientific data on how native species establish and perform in urban and campus settings.
Awang Reni Haji Yahya, Acting Director of Forestry, who attended as the guest of honour, said partnerships like this help protect the country’s natural heritage. “The Forestry Department is pleased to support this initiative through the contribution of native tree saplings. Strengthening collaboration with institutions such as UBD is an important step towards promoting the conservation of Brunei Darussalam’s native tree species, while encouraging greater public awareness and participation in protecting our natural heritage for future generations,” he said.
UBD Rooting for the Future directly supports the Forestry Department’s restoration goals under Brunei Darussalam’s National Biodiversity Policy and Strategic Plan of Action 2024-2030. Dr Haji Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, UBD’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability), also attended, along with officers and staff from the Forestry Department and UBD.
The event was organised by IBER through the UBD BRC, in collaboration with Campus Asset Management and Planning for University Life (CAMPUs), the Registrar’s Office and the Forestry Department.
With collaborative planting, science-based monitoring and community participation, UBD is building a greener campus that also serves as a living resource for research and conservation.
For updates on future tree planting and biodiversity conservation activities, follow the UBD BRC on Instagram at @ubd.botanicalgarden and @ubd.iber.kbfsc.