BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Big Blue Hope, one of Ocean Week Brunei’s key marine conservation programmes, takes place Wednesday (June 10) at the Fisheries Jetty, Department of Fisheries, Serasa.
It is Brunei’s largest coral planting and underwater conservation event, bringing together diving units from government, industry and research for ocean action.
Organised by Poni Foundation with support from Poni Group, the initiative gathers the community for hands-on reef restoration focused on coral planting, reef rehabilitation and marine awareness.
Held as part of Ocean Week Brunei programme, in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE), Big Blue Hope reflects that ocean sustainability requires participation, not conversation alone.
Through coral planting and reef restoration, it highlights Brunei’s marine ecosystems in supporting biodiversity, fisheries, coastal resilience and the blue economy.
Coral reefs are vital ecosystems providing habitat, supporting fish stocks, protecting coastlines and sustaining marine health. With rising pressures from climate change, pollution, coastal development and human activity, initiatives like this show how local action supports long-term marine recovery.
The event aligns with Ocean Week Brunei’s goal of turning awareness into action by linking conservation with education, youth engagement, marine science, tourism, fisheries and livelihoods, reinforcing the ocean as both environmental and national development priority.
Big Blue Hope builds on Poni Group’s sustainability journey, evolving from Poni Divers into a marine, tourism and conservation platform.
Through Poni Foundation and Ocean Week Brunei, it supports long-term reef protection and community participation. The initiative brings multiple sectors together to support reef restoration while strengthening understanding of coral ecosystems, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Building on its 2025 edition, which set a national record with 310 corals planted at Pelong Rocks involving 67 participants, this year continues its conference-and-action model combining dialogue with fieldwork.
The 2025 edition also saw participation from Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
This year uses artificial reef structures and coral planting methods to support coral growth and fisheries rehabilitation, creating habitats that enhance biodiversity and reef recovery.
By involving divers, students, volunteers, agencies, companies and community partners, Big Blue Hope promotes shared responsibility for ocean stewardship while supporting marine tourism, youth development, sustainable fisheries, ESG partnerships and blue economy growth.
The initiative highlights that ocean conservation requires collaboration between government, private sector, communities, scientists and educators. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
