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Highlights

Belalongensis: Volume 8

  • Post published:06/05/2026
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Research/Research/Stories/UBD BRC

Belalongensis Vol.8 (Pause / Full screen to read)

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Belalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1

  • Post published:28/03/2025
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Research/Research/Stories/UBD BRC

Belalongensis Vol.7(1) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1

Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2

  • Post published:13/05/2024
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Research/Research/Stories/UBD BRC

Belalongensis Vol.6 (2) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2

Tropical Research Experience: TREx 2024

  • Post published:17/11/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC

https://youtu.be/UKXKVfBv-z8Note: Best viewed at 1080p (HD video quality). Information for TREx 2024 *Last update: 29/04/2024 IMPORTANT DATES TREx 2024 will take place on  20 - 31 August 2024.Registration closes on:…

Continue ReadingTropical Research Experience: TREx 2024

Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 1

  • Post published:11/10/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Newsletter/Research/Stories/UBD BRC/Workshop

Belalongensis Vol.6 (1) by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 1

IBER represents Brunei Darussalam in the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste

  • Post published:09/10/2023
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Highlights/Research

IBER was invited by the Brunei Forestry Department to attend the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste held on 14 to 17 August 2023 in Manila, the Philippines. Representing…

Continue ReadingIBER represents Brunei Darussalam in the Sub-regional NBSAP Dialogue for ASEAN and Timor-Leste

Belalongensis: Research Edition 3

  • Post published:03/12/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Highlights/Newsletter/Peat Swamp Research/Publication/Research/Stories

Note: Please click on the articles to read more.  Belalongensis: Research Edition 3 by Office IBER

Continue ReadingBelalongensis: Research Edition 3

Tropical Research Experience: TREx 2023

  • Post published:17/11/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Advertisement/Education/Events/Highlights/KBFSC/Research

Information for TREx 2023 *Last update: 23/05/2023 IMPORTANT DATES TREx 2023 will take place on 26 June - 7 July 2023. Registration closes on: 15 May 2023Useful links:Detailed information about…

Continue ReadingTropical Research Experience: TREx 2023

Research Seminar on Value of Peat Swamp Forests

  • Post published:29/08/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Events/Research/Stories

In support of the Brunei Forestry Department’s efforts in biodiversity and forest conservation in Brunei Darussalam, a research seminar on “Value of Peat Swamp Forests'' was co-organised by the Forestry…

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Badas Tree Planting 2021: One Year Update

  • Post published:02/04/2022
  • Post author:iber
  • Post category:Events/Research/Stories

To commemorate the International Day of Forests Month in March 2021, a total of 200 saplings of Shorea albida was planted at the degraded area of the Badas Forest Reserve. This was…

Continue ReadingBadas Tree Planting 2021: One Year Update
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  • Address:Institute For Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Universiti, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
  • Email:office.iber@ubd.edu.bnOpens in your application
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ubd.iber.kbfsc

🌳 Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD
🌱 Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre
🌱 UBD Botanical Research Centre
#iber #kbfsc #brc

IBER at the 2026 Biodiversity Science Forum! IBE IBER at the 2026 Biodiversity Science Forum! 

IBER researchers participated in the 2026 Biodiversity Science Forum, held from 30 September - 1 October 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar delivered an oral presentation on five years of science-based peat swamp forest restoration in Brunei, while Hazimah Hj Mohd Din and Zulfadli Mawardi presented posters of their research on tropical forest diversity in the IBER forest plots and UAV/AI-based tree species detection. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, Director of IBER, also attended the Forum as a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB). 

A highlight of the Forum was a field visit to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

A great opportunity to share IBER’s research and connect with researchers and biodiversity practitioners from across ASEAN. Thank you to the ACB for supporting our researchers’ participation! 🌱🌏 

#BiodiversityScienceForum2026 #Biodiversity #ForestEcology #ForestRestoration #ASEANBiodiversity
🎥 Growing Knowledge, Inspiring Action, Sustaining 🎥 Growing Knowledge, Inspiring Action, Sustaining the Future 

IBER was honoured to showcase how our work during the Hari Guru celebration at the International Convention Centre on 23 September 2026. 

Our exhibition captures the journey from the Badas Tree Planting Project to UBD’s wider campus greening efforts. The Badas Tree Planting Project, which recently received recognition as an  ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) under the Medium-scale category, demonstrates how research and long-term restoration translates to real-world impact. The lessons learned from our research at Badas continues to inform learning, biodiversity monitoring and native tree planting on the UBD campus. 

Through the UBD Campus Greening Roadmap, IBER and the UBD CAMPUs Office lead UBD’s transformation into a “University in the Heart of a Living Forest”. Driven by the One UBD community, our connected journey brings us together in building a greener and more sustainable campus, where nature becomes an unmissable fabric of our campus life. 

From the forest, to the campus, to the next generation. 🌿 

#IBER #UBD #BadasTreePlanting #ASEANGreenInitiative #UBDCampusGreening
IBER at ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 IBER rep IBER at ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 

IBER represented Universiti Brunei Darussalam at the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026, held from 8–10 September in Quezon City, Philippines. 

Dr Salwana Md Jaafar participated in sessions on ecosystem restoration and species conservation, sustainable tourism and green growth, and Indigenous and traditional knowledge, gaining valuable insights and strengthening regional connections for biodiversity conservation across ASEAN. 

During the Forum, Assoc Prof Dr Rahayu Sukri was invited to give a talk on the Badas Tree Planting Project which received ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) recognition under the Medium-Scale Category. The Badas Tree Planting Project is Brunei Darussalam's very first AGI recognition! 

Thank you to @aseanbiodiversity for supporting our researchers' attendance and for the AGI recognition. 

@aseanbiodiversity 

@denr.biodiversity 

@ubd_brunei 

#IBER #AHPForum2026 #WeAreASEANbiodiversity #OneWithBiodiversity #EnvironmentForLife
IBER UBD’s Badas Tree Planting Project receives AS IBER UBD’s Badas Tree Planting Project receives ASEAN Green Initiative recognition! 

The Badas Tree Planting Project, led by IBER UBD, has been recognised as an ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI) under the Medium-Scale Category for its contribution to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in Brunei Darussalam. 

Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri, the Badas Tree Planting Project Lead, received the recognition on behalf of UBD and the project team at the 2nd ASEAN Green Initiative Recognition Event in Quezon City, Philippines on 9th September 2026. As an AGI awardee, she was also invited to give a talk on the Badas Tree Planting Project at the Ecosystem Restoration session of the ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum 2026 on 10th September 2026. 

Since 2021, the science-based Badas peat swamp restoration project has planted 535 saplings of two globally threatened native peat swamp tree species, Rubroshorea albida (Alan) and Dryobalanops rappa (Kapur paya). Over 391 volunteers have participated, bringing together science, partnerships and community for on-the-ground restoration and conservation action. Beyond tree planting, systematic long-term monitoring of the restoration sites by IBER has established a living laboratory at Badas, supporting Brunei’s climate action and UBD’s sustainability goals. 

Co-led by Dr Salwana Md Jaafar and Hazimah Hj Mohd Din of the IBER Forest Ecology Group, the project is conducted in collaboration with the Brunei Forestry Department, Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd and Nanyang Technological University. 

Our gratitude goes out to the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity for the AGI recognition. Thank you to all researchers, partners and volunteers for driving the success of the Badas Tree Planting Project! 

Interested to support the Badas Tree Planting Project? Please contact @peatswamp.iber for further details. 

 
@forestry.brunei 

@bsp_company 

@aseanbiodiversity 

@denr.biodiversity 

#UBDSustainability #PeatSwampForest #GenerationRestoration #WeAreASEANbiodiversity #ASEANGreenInitiative
🌱 Nature Camp August 2026: Learning in the Heart o 🌱 Nature Camp August 2026: Learning in the Heart of the Rainforest

The third instalment of IBER’s Nature Camp was held from 10–14 August 2026 at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC), bringing together 13 selected secondary school students from schools across Brunei for an immersive learning experience in the Belalong rainforest. 

Over five days, participants explored rainforest biodiversity through guided forest walks and arthropod studies, learned about biodiversity conservation research and field methods at KBFSC, and engaged in discussions on environmental awareness, sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals. The programme also provided opportunities for students to reflect on how their learning could translate into everyday actions and future engagement in biodiversity and environmental initiatives. 

The programme was facilitated by the IBER Education team, Dr Roshanizah Rosli and Dr Salwa Khalid, with support from IBER volunteers Joremy anak Tony, Ak Md Qawiem Pg Hj Saifuddin and Nur Alifah Amira Hj Abu Bakar. Facilitators from Future Energy Leaders (FEL), Nurul Safina Haji Abd Wahab and Yong, Yumi Siaw Wei, were also involved in delivering the programme. 

Nature Camp is an educational initiative by IBER designed to strengthen students’ knowledge and appreciation of biodiversity, while encouraging greater awareness of conservation, environmental sustainability and climate change. 

IBER extends its appreciation to Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) for supporting the Nature Camp programme, and to all facilitators and volunteers for their contributions towards making this learning experience possible. 

@ubd_brunei 
@fel.bn 

#IBER #KBFSC #Biodiversity #Sustainability #EnvironmentalEducation
We are pleased to announce another publication inv We are pleased to announce another publication involving IBER Lecturer, Rodzay Haji Abdul Wahab on the diversity of wasps (Vespidae) in Brunei Darussalam, published in Fragmenta Entomologica! 

The study reports new findings on the hymenopteran family Vespidae (wasps) from the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC), Ulu Temburong National Park. The findings substantially expand our knowledge of Brunei’s wasp diversity, increasing the number of Vespidae recorded in the country from just six to 22 species. 

This study highlights the importance of continued biodiversity surveys in documenting Brunei’s rich but still understudied insect fauna. 

Congratulations to the authors on this valuable contribution to Brunei’s biodiversity research! 

@ubd_brunei 

#IBER #UBD #KBFSC #UluTemburong #Vespidae
Dr Salwa Khalid from IBER and Dr Chaw Li Ling from Dr Salwa Khalid from IBER and Dr Chaw Li Ling from IHS participated in the National One Health Joint Plan of Action (NOHJPA) workshop from 26 to 28 August 2026, organized by the Ministry of Health through the Brunei Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Brunei CDC) in collaboration with WHO, FAO, WOAH and UNEP. The workshop aims to support Brunei Darussalam to institutionalize and operationalize a nationally owned One Health Joint Plan of Action aligned with the Quadripartite OH JPA. The workshop examined the country’s strategic priorities, refined key interventions, and developed the implementation plan for One Health. Once finalized, the NOHJPA will serve as a national strategic framework to strengthen collaboration and integrated action across the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors, thereby enhancing Brunei Darussalam’s preparedness to address One Health threats.
🐟 Life Among the Mangrove Roots The IBER Pulau S 🐟 Life Among the Mangrove Roots 

The IBER Pulau Selirong Blue Carbon and Biodiversity Project continues to uncover the hidden diversity of Brunei’s mangrove ecosystems. 

On 29 July 2026, the Fish Assemblages sub-project team, together with two volunteers from Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V., ventured into the tidal mangrove forest of Pulau Selirong to sample fishes living among the network of mangrove roots. 

The fieldwork brought some exciting encounters, including half-beaks, archerfishes and giant mudskippers, a glimpse of the remarkable variety of fish that uses these mangrove habitats. 

The Fish Assemblages sub-project aims to document fish diversity and species composition at Pulau Selirong, where such information remains limited in the scientific literature. These baseline data will help improve our understanding of the ecological importance of mangrove habitats and support their long-term conservation. 

We would like to thank the Forestry Department for facilitating this fieldwork, Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. for supporting the project, and our volunteers from Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V.  for participation and support in the field. 

#PulauSelirong #MangroveBiodiversity #FishDiversity #BlueCarbon #BruneiBiodiversity

@forestry.brunei 
@fisheries.brunei 
@hibiscuspetroleum_bn
🌿 Exploring Collaborations on Brunei’s mangroves 🌿 Exploring Collaborations on Brunei’s mangroves
 
On 31 August 2026, IBER welcomed representatives from the Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences (Guangxi Mangrove Research Center), Poni Foundation, Poni Group and ASTARI to UBD. The delegation included Professor Dai Shengsheng (President of the Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences), Prof Qiu Guanglong (Vice President of the Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences and Director of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization) and Mr Mohd Tahsin Wong bin Abdullah (CEO of Poni Group). 

The meeting brought together researchers and experts to explore potential collaborations in mangrove conservation and restoration, marine and coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity research. 
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC) Garden. 🌱 

@ubd_brunei 

#IBER #UBDBRC #CarbonAkar #MangroveConservation #Biodiversity
Brunei Peatland Governance Sharing Session on 27 A Brunei Peatland Governance Sharing Session on 27 August 2026 🌳

The Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the Forestry Department, Brunei Darussalam, hosted a sharing session on Peatland Management and Research in Brunei at the Tropical Biodiversity Centre, Sungai Liang. 

The session was held as part of the research project “Transboundary Peatland Governance in Borneo”, a collaboration between UBD and researchers from the Asia Research Institute (ARI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The collaborative project explores current initiatives, progress and challenges in peatland governance across Borneo, as well as opportunities to strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors. 

Representatives from government agencies, industry, NGOs, academia and grassroots leaders participated in the programme, which included talks from the Forestry Department and IBER for knowledge sharing, and in-depth discussions and interviews on experiences and perspectives related to peatland management in Brunei  and Borneo facilitated by Dr Saritha Uda of ARI NUS. 

Through continued research and stakeholder collaboration, we hope to contribute towards strengthening the sustainable management and conservation of Brunei’s peatland ecosystems and the wider Borneo region. 

#IBER #UBD #ForestryDepartmentBrunei #Peatlands #PeatlandConservation 

@ubd_brunei
🌿 IBER at GUIDeS 2026! The IBER team was pleased 🌿 IBER at GUIDeS 2026!

The IBER team was pleased to participate in the Global Urban Innovation & Development Symposium (GUIDeS) 2026, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr Stefan Herwig Gödeke, Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar, Hazimah Hj Mohd. Din, Nur Ammy Marliana Liming, Mohammad Amiruddin Hj Ruslan and Soon Boon Yu.

The team showcased IBER and UBD’s ongoing work in biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, campus greening, environmental education and community engagement, contributing towards a greener, more sustainable and climate-resilient university. 🌱🌳

#GUIDeS2026 #IBER #UBD #Biodiversity #CampusGreening

@ubd_brunei
@ubd.oavcris
Over the past 9 weeks, IBER had the pleasure of ho Over the past 9 weeks, IBER had the pleasure of hosting Carol Shi Choi Yan as an intern with the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC). 

During her attachment, Carol contributed to a range of research, conservation, and education activities. She compiled peer reviewed scientific literature for the IBER Biodiversity Database and assisted with social media video editing. 

She also supported the UBD Living Forest Project through tree planting activities and assisted with educational programmes including Green Minds and Leaf to Life, where she served as a facilitator. In the nursery, she gained hands on experience in seed sowing and plant propagation. 

Her field experience included tree census work at Bukit Sawat, fieldwork at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, a plant propagation workshop at Birau Agricultural Station, and visited the Brunei National Herbarium and Tropical Biodiversity Centre. 

Carol also took the initiative to conduct a mini water analysis project as a pilot study for her Final Year Project, demonstrating her curiosity and proactive approach to learning. 

Thank you, Carol, for your dedication, initiative, and valuable contributions throughout your internship. We wish you all the best in your studies and future career! 🌿 

#IBER #UBDBRC #UBD #UBDsustainability #Biodiversity 

@ubd_brunei
Scientists and participants of the 2025 Taxon Expe Scientists and participants of the 2025 Taxon Expedition at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC), Brunei Darussalam have discovered and described a new species of round fungus beetle, Dermatohomoeus sagittarius (Lasco et al., 2026). This is the first species of this genus ever recorded from Brunei. The beetle was discovered in leaf litter collected from the Ulu Temburong rainforest, and the findings have now been published in the Biodiversity Data Journal. 

The 10-day Taxon Expedition was led by Professor Menno Schilthuizen and facilitated at KBFSC by Dr. Rafhiah Kahar of the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), who is also a co-author of this paper. The expedition brought together scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts to document Brunei's remarkable biodiversity. Through this citizen science approach, participants worked alongside expert taxonomists, contributing to field sampling, DNA barcoding, species identification, and the preparation of the scientific description. The study demonstrates that meaningful biodiversity discoveries can be achieved through collaborative, hands-on research. 

As a hub for tropical biodiversity research and education, KBFSC continues to provide a unique platform for scientific discovery, capacity building, and international collaboration, supporting research that advances our understanding of one of Borneo's most biodiverse rainforests. 

@taxon_expeditions 
@ubd_brunei 

#Biodiversity #NewSpecies #Borneo #Taxonomy #UluTemburong
We are pleased to announce a new publication on th We are pleased to announce a new publication on the diversity of tiger beetles in Brunei Darussalam, published in Fragmenta Entomologica! 

The study was conducted by Rodzay Haji Abdul Wahab (IBER Lecturer) and his collaborators, and reports findings from an arthropod survey conducted in the Ulu Temburong National Park. The study recorded 15 species of tiger beetles, including four new country records for Brunei Darussalam, bringing the total number of known tiger beetle species in the country to 35. 

The paper also provides the first description of the male of Neocollyris (Orthocollyris) rectangulivertex, contributing further to our knowledge of Brunei and Borneo’s remarkable insect diversity. 

Congratulations to the authors on this important contribution to Brunei’s biodiversity research! 

@ubd_brunei 

#IBER #UBD #KBFSC #UluTemburong #TigerBeetles
From 15–29 June 2026, Muhammad Hadi bin Sahat, a M From 15–29 June 2026, Muhammad Hadi bin Sahat, a Master of Science (Geosciences) student at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), successfully completed a research internship at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Japan, under the UBD Graduate Student Mobility (GSM) Programme. 

Hadi's research focuses on understanding the impacts of land-use change, carbon dynamics and soil microbial processes in the Badas peatland, Brunei Darussalam. His MSc research is supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr Stefan Herwig Gödeke (Geosciences Programme, UBD), with co-supervision from Assoc. Prof. Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Hj Sukri and Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar (Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, IBER, UBD). During his internship at OIST, he was also mentored by IBER collaborators, Dr Nanette Raczka and Dr Chikae Tatsumi from the Microbial and Ecosystem Ecology Unit, strengthening the international collaboration supporting his research. 

During the internship, Hadi analysed soil and root samples collected from Badas peatland and gained hands-on experience in stable isotope and soil ecology techniques while working alongside researchers in an international laboratory environment. 

The internship provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen his research skills, foster international collaboration, and contribute to ongoing research on the restoration and functioning of tropical peatland ecosystems. 

#GraduateStudentMobility #OIST #UBD #Geosciences #IBER 

@ubd_brunei 

@ubd_fos
In memory of Dr David Edwards, one of the founding In memory of Dr David Edwards, one of the founding members of the former Department of Biology and Faculty of Science at UBD, IBER researchers contributed to a special issue of Scientia Bruneiana (Vol. 24 Special Issue 2025). 

The three studies by IBER researchers, Assoc. Prof. Dr Rahayu Sukri, Dr Norhayati Ahmad, Dr Hussein Taha, Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar and Hazimah Mohd. Din, explored: 

🌳 Forest structure and species richness of intact and degraded Kerapah forests in Lumut 

🍃 Foliar traits and nutrient strategies of invasive Acacia and native species in coastal Kerangas forests 

🍯 Wound-healing potential of Brunei stingless bee honey in diabetic animal models 

Together, these publications honour Dr Edwards' memory and pioneering contributions to biodiversity research in Brunei Darussalam, and showcase IBER’s diverse research across tropical forest ecology, plant invasions and natural products. 

@ubd_brunei

#IBER #UBD #ScientiaBruneiana #BruneiResearch #Biodiversity
🌿 BRUNEI FOREST GUARDIANS: BUG BLITZ 🐞🔎 15 August 🌿 BRUNEI FOREST GUARDIANS: BUG BLITZ 🐞🔎 
15 August 2026 | Tropical Biodiversity Centre, Forestry Department 

A day of exploring, discovering and getting closer to Brunei’s incredible insect biodiversity! 🐜🦋 

We were excited to officially launch Brunei Forest Guardians, a new biannual IBER outreach programme by the IBER Forest Ecology Group. The programme aims to create more opportunities for the public to explore Brunei’s forests, learn about biodiversity and experience it through fun, engaging and hands-on activities. 

For our pilot session, Bug Blitz, we were honoured to partner with the Forestry Department and welcome 18 participants for a full day of learning and discovery. 

Thank you to our partners, speakers, facilitators and all 18 participants for making our first Brunei Forest Guardians session a memorable one! 

💚 We hope Bug Blitz has inspired a deeper appreciation for the small creatures that play an important role in our forests. 

🌳 This is only the beginning. Stay tuned for our next theme! 

What would you like to explore next? Tell us in the comments! 👇 

#BruneiForestGuardians #BugBlitz #IBERUBD #BruneiBiodiversity  #iNaturalist 

 

The programme began with welcoming remarks from Hazimah Hj Mohd Din, Project Lead for Brunei Forest Guardians, who shared the vision behind the programme, followed by remarks from Awg Ahmad Yusra bin Hj Adanan, representing Tuan Zaeidi bin Hj Berudin, Head of the Brunei Heart of Borneo Centre, Forestry Department, officially opening the Bug Blitz programme.

Participants then gained insights into Brunei’s forests from Mr Kieran Ling Mata, before learning about insect biodiversity from Mr Mohd Farid Abdullah, Research Assistant from IBER, UBD. Before heading into the field, Mr Zulfadli Mawardi, Research Assistant from IBER, UBD, introduced participants to the field activities, insect traps and tools, ethical guidelines for insect collection and observation, and the use of iNaturalist for recording their discoveries.

Participants then gained insights into Brunei’s forests from Mr Kieran Ling Mata, before learning about insect biodiversity from Mr Mohd Farid Abdullah, Research Assistant from IBER, UBD. Bef
🌏 IBER at WGIA23 The Institute for Biodiversity 🌏 IBER at WGIA23 

The Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam, was represented by Dr Salwana Md. Jaafar and Hazimah Hj. Mohd Din at the 23rd Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia (WGIA23), held in Brunei Darussalam from 3–6 August 2026. 

During the poster exhibition, the team presented "Restoring Carbon-Rich Peat Swamp Forests: Early Outcomes of the Badas Tree Planting Project, Brunei Darussalam", highlighting the early outcomes of our long-term peat swamp forest restoration initiative and its contribution to climate change mitigation through ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration. 

This poster represents a collaborative effort between IBER, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Forestry Department, Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, demonstrating the value of cross-sector partnerships in advancing science-based ecosystem restoration. 

We thank the organisers for providing an excellent platform to share our research and exchange ideas with researchers and practitioners from across Asia. 

🌱🌍 

#IBERUBD #UBD #WGIA23 #ClimateAction #PeatSwampForest 

@ubd_brunei

@forestry.brunei
We had the honor of presenting UBD’s Spaceflight-I We had the honor of presenting UBD’s Spaceflight-Induced Seed Mutagenesis for Brunei’s Food Security and Resilience project to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Chancellor, Universiti Brunei Darussalam during the 38th Universiti Brunei Darussalam convocation ceremony.  

This pioneering research, led by IBER, explores how the unique conditions of space can drive valuable genetic variation in seeds, paving the way for next-generation crop varieties designed to withstand challenges and enhance agricultural yield.

Presenting the project to His Majesty was the IBER PI, Dr. Norhayati Hj Ahmad and FOS researcher, Dr. Md Qawiem bin Haji Md Jamil, with attendance by Ms. Lynette Tan, CEO of Space Faculty Pte Ltd, Singapore and Mr Ravinder Singh from Space Faculty Pte. Ltd, Singapore  

Through strategic cross-border collaboration, UBD continues to bridge space research with terrestrial impact thereby strengthening Brunei Darussalam’s long-term food security, for sustainable growth.

@ubd_brunei

#SpaceScience #UBD #IBER #UBDResearch #UBDConvo
Over the past 8 weeks, IBER had the pleasure of ho Over the past 8 weeks, IBER had the pleasure of hosting Achintya Garg, a Year 1 Chemical Engineering student from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (@hkust ) under the ASEAN Internship Scheme for Hong Kong Higher Education. 

As a Research Assistant intern, Achintya contributed to a variety of research and conservation initiatives, including the development of a biodegradable anti-inflammatory patch, herbal laboratory work involving plant extraction and analysis, compiling peer reviewed scientific literature for the IBER Biodiversity Database, drone image annotation for IBER's forest ecology projects, and supporting the UBD Living Forest Project through tree planting activities. He also gained valuable field and professional experience through visits to the Brunei National Herbarium, the Tropical Biodiversity Centre, and the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, as well as participating in a plant propagation workshop. 

Thank you, Achintya, for your enthusiasm, dedication, and valuable contributions throughout your internship. We wish you all the best in your studies and future career, and we hope to welcome you back to Brunei again someday! 🌿 

#IBER #UBDBRC #UBD #UBDsustainability #Biodiversity 

@ubd_brunei
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