BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Ocean Week Brunei 2026 will officially launch at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Pro Chancellor Arts Centre on June 2, 2026 at 8am, exploring the future of Brunei’s ocean economy under the theme “Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future.”
The launch, which is open to the public, will set the direction for this year’s programme by introducing key blue economy priorities, pilot projects and international collaborations.
Meanwhile, a series of public programmes, conservation projects, community initiatives, exhibitions, forums and networking events will run across the country throughout June and July as part of Ocean Week Brunei 2026.
The Ocean Sustainability Conference on June 3, 2026 will serve as one of the flagship knowledge platforms, bringing together speakers, researchers, industry representatives and sustainability partners to discuss ocean governance, marine innovation, conservation, climate resilience and blue economy development. The conference is open to the public.
An IUU Documentary Screening on June 8, 2026 will highlight the issue of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and its impact on marine ecosystems, food security, fisheries management and regional maritime sustainability. The screening is open to the public and will encourage discussion on responsible ocean stewardship and the importance of protecting fisheries for future generations.
The Big Blue Hope Coral Planting Dive on June 10, 2026 will mark Brunei’s largest coral planting day, aiming to plant over 300 corals. The initiative focuses on reef restoration, coral rehabilitation and marine conservation action, highlighting how reef recovery supports biodiversity, ocean education and public participation.
The Mangrove Restoration Project Launch on June 11, 2026 will introduce Carbon AKAR as a blue economy pilot focused on mangrove restoration, blue carbon potential, carbon impact reduction, coastal resilience, biodiversity protection and community participation.
On the same day, the Sea Turtle Beach Night Walk will offer participants an opportunity to learn about sea turtle conservation, nesting protection and responsible coastal behaviour during nesting periods.
The Brunei Ocean Exhibition (BEX) will run from June 12-14, 2026 at OneCity Shopping Centre, with its official launch on the morning of June 13, 2026. The exhibition is open to the public and will feature ocean conservation, creativity, education, innovation, marine heritage, youth engagement and blue economy showcases in a family-friendly setting.
A Beach Clean-Up and Turtle Hatchery Project Launch on June 14, 2026 will support coastal clean-up efforts and introduce turtle conservation initiatives linked to nest protection, hatchery management, education and community involvement.
The Kampong Bolkiah Community Outreach Project on June 20, 2026 will focus on local engagement and awareness of the connection between waterways, livelihoods, restoration and the future of Brunei’s blue economy.
On the same day, the Oyster Remediation Project Launch will introduce the Warisan Oyster pilot, focusing on oyster ecosystem restoration, water filtration, sustainable aquaculture, river rehabilitation, blue carbon opportunities and community livelihood development at Kampong Bolkiah.
Fishermen’s Day and a Documentary Screening on July 2, 2026 will recognise the role of fishermen and coastal communities in Brunei’s ocean future, while creating space for dialogue on sustainable fisheries, livelihoods and marine stewardship.
The Future Ocean Changemakers Youth Forum from July 6-7, 2026 will bring together young people to explore ocean careers, sustainability leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and conservation, as well as the role of youth in shaping Brunei’s blue economy.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 will conclude with the Ocean Gala Night and Ocean Champions Awards on July 8, 2026, celebrating individuals, organisations and community partners contributing to ocean sustainability, conservation, education and blue economy development.
Organised by Poni Foundation, this year’s Ocean Week Brunei places strong emphasis on the blue economy, defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources to support economic growth, jobs, livelihoods, food security, innovation and environmental protection.
The initiative highlights the ocean as both an environmental responsibility and a key future opportunity for Brunei.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 comes at a time when ocean issues are increasingly urgent. Climate change, coastal erosion, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and pressure on fisheries are no longer distant concerns, but realities affecting communities, livelihoods and national resilience.
This year’s programme aims to translate awareness into practical action by supporting ecosystem restoration, job creation, research, partnerships and Brunei’s role in the regional blue economy landscape.
The event will also provide opportunities to learn about Brunei’s growing blue economy ecosystem, engage with international experts, connect with partners, explore volunteer opportunities and understand how conservation, science, innovation and community action can work together. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
