Forests provide essential ecosystem services, including protecting water catchments, regulating floods and erosion, sequestering carbon, and conserving biodiversity. These services help reduce economic risks associated with natural disasters and climate change, while supporting the well-being of communities. In a message in conjunction with International Day of Forests 2026, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism shared that in Brunei Darussalam, forests cover approximately 72.1 per cent of the country's land area, placing the nation among those with the highest forest cover in the region.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin emphasised on the government's commitment to maintain at least 55 per cent of the land area as Permanent Forest Reserve under the National Forestry Policy reflects a balanced approach between conservation and economic development. This strong forest foundation supports ecological stability while providing opportunities for the growth of a green and low-carbon economy. According to the World Economic Forum, over 44 trillion US dollars of global economic value, more than half of the world's Gross Domestic Product depends directly or indirectly on nature, including forests.
The national forestry industry records an average annual output of 39 million Brunei Dollars, comprising 27 million Brunei Dollars from primary processing industries and 12 million Brunei Dollars from downstream and value-added wood-based industries. The development of downstream timber industries reflects encouraging progress towards producing more competitive and innovative wood products, while creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, design and marketing. From a trade perspective, timber product exports average 1.4 million Brunei Dollars annually, with key markets including Malaysia, the United States and the Republic of Korea. At the same time, timber product imports reach approximately 32 million Brunei Dollars per year, indicating strong potential to strengthen domestic production capacity, expand downstream industries and create more employment opportunities for the local workforce, particularly among youth and micro, small and medium enterprises. In an increasingly sustainability-driven global economy, forests also represent a strategic asset within the carbon economy. The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism also shared that Brunei Darussalam is exploring forest carbon initiatives as part of the implementation of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, including the National Forest Resources Inventory and feasibility studies for forest carbon projects. These efforts ensure that any potential economic opportunities are aligned with the principles of integrity, transparency and national sovereignty.
Every year on 21st of March, Brunei Darussalam joins the international community in commemorating the International Day of Forests to raise awareness of the vital role forests play in supporting human wellbeing and sustainable development. This year's theme, “Forests and Economies," underscores that forests are not only a natural heritage but also a strategic national asset that contributes to economic stability, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
