Thursday, March 10, 2011

BIMP-EAGA region most 'mega diverse' in the world

KUCHING: The BIMP-EAGA region has been recognised as the most ‘mega diverse’ sub-region in the world due to its rich biodiversity, especially its tropical rainforests and coral reef.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Phillipines-East Asia Growth Area.

The recognition was given by the ministers responsible for the region at the BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Conference on the Heart of Borneo and Coral Reefs in Temburong, Brunei yesterday.

The ministers representing Malaysia were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Representing Brunei were Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pehin Dato Lim Jock Seng and Industry and Primary Resources Minister Pehin Dato Yahya.

Indonesia was represented by Zulkifli Hassan while Philippines by Mindanao Development Authority chairman Luwalhati Antonino.

“The ministers recognised that the two ecosystems of forests and coral reefs are interconnected and noted that good strategies and plans are currently being implemented including maintaining the ecological corridors joining the terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

“The ministers agreed that their respective national action plans would form
the basis for the development and conservation of the two ecosystems and recognised the importance of collaboration efforts among member countries in the areas of common interest such as in eco-tourism and research and development.

“This effort would complement each other and create synergy that would significantly contribute to the BIMP-EAGA rich biodiversity.

“In this regard, the ministers recognised the BIMP-EAGA region as the most mega diverse sub-region in the world,” said the ministers in a joint statement yesterday.

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