Ocean Week Brunei 2026 will officially launch on 2 June at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Pro Chancellor Arts Centre, bringing together government agencies, industry leaders, researchers, schools, youth organisations, conservationists, communities and international partners under the theme “Ocean of Opportunities: Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future.”
Organised by Poni Foundation, this year’s edition places strong emphasis on the blue economy, focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources to support economic growth, jobs, livelihoods, food security, innovation and environmental protection.
The launch aims to highlight that Brunei’s ocean is not only an environmental responsibility, but also one of the country’s most significant future opportunities. For Brunei Darussalam, the ocean is closely tied to national development.
Brunei’s maritime area is estimated to be around seven times larger than its land area, while coastal communities, fisheries, tourism potential, food systems, climate resilience and future industries are directly connected to the health of marine ecosystems.
Globally, ocean-related industries contribute significantly to economic activity through fisheries, shipping, tourism, biotechnology, carbon markets, marine technology and coastal ecosystem services.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 comes at a time when ocean issues are becoming increasingly urgent. Climate change, coastal erosion, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and pressure on fisheries continue to affect communities, businesses, food security and long-term resilience for coastal nations such as Brunei.
This year’s programme focuses on moving the national ocean conversation toward practical action through systems that can restore ecosystems, generate jobs, strengthen research, attract partnerships and position Brunei within the growing regional blue economy landscape.
A major highlight of this year’s launch will be the introduction of three blue economy pilot projects designed to demonstrate how conservation and economic opportunity can work together.
The first pilot, Carbon AKAR, focuses on mangrove restoration, blue carbon initiatives and practical carbon impact solutions for businesses. The project will explore how companies can measure emissions and reduce their carbon footprint through mangrove planting while creating employment opportunities for local communities trained in mangrove restoration and maintenance.
Mangrove ecosystems also support carbon sequestration, coastal protection, biodiversity recovery and climate resilience, making them one of the most important nature-based solutions for Brunei’s coastal future.
The second pilot, Warisan Oyster, focuses on oyster reef restoration, sustainable oyster cultivation and river remediation in partnership with Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
The project explores how oyster ecosystems can improve water quality, support biodiversity, strengthen food security and create blue economy jobs at Kampong Bolkiah. It is also exploring blue carbon credits as a sustainable revenue stream through nature-based financing mechanisms.
The third pilot, TRACKS Brunei, focuses on sea turtle conservation, coastal tourism and marine technology. The initiative supports turtle protection, public education, conservation research, biodiversity monitoring and sustainable eco-tourism opportunities linked to marine wildlife.
Together, the three pilots aim to showcase how Brunei can develop practical blue economy models that create jobs, industries and community-based revenue streams while strengthening marine conservation efforts.
The launch event will also feature three international research and strategic collaboration signings involving ocean sustainability partners from China and Timor-Leste.
Memorandums of Understanding will be signed with Fourth Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center of the Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources and Academy of Oceanography, Guangxi Oceanic Administration to strengthen research collaboration and ocean sustainability initiatives in Brunei.
Additional collaborations with Oriental University of Timor-Leste and Association of Maritime Timor-Leste will support the future expansion of blue economy pilot projects and marine technology cooperation between Brunei and Timor-Leste.
Ocean Week Brunei is designed as a continuing national and regional platform beyond a one-week campaign, with partnerships, pilot projects and public participation continuing throughout the year before culminating in a wider public showcase every June.
Members of the public, students, researchers, volunteers, schools, businesses, marine scientists, conservation groups and youth organisations are encouraged to attend the launch and participate in the wider programme.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 will continue throughout June and July with a series of public programmes, conservation projects, exhibitions, forums and networking events across the country.
Among the key events are the Ocean Sustainability Conference on 3 June, the IUU Documentary Screening on 8 June, the Big Blue Hope Coral Planting Dive on 10 June, the Mangrove Restoration Project Launch and Sea Turtle Beach Night Walk on 11 June, and the Brunei Ocean Exhibition (BEX) from 12 to 14 June at One City Mall.
Other activities include the Kg Bolkiah Community Outreach Project and Oyster Remediation Project Launch on 20 June, Fishermen Day and Documentary Screening on 2 July, the Future Ocean Changemakers Youth Forum from 6 to 7 July, and the Ocean Gala Night and Ocean Champions Awards on 8 July.
Through this year’s programme, Ocean Week Brunei 2026 aims to strengthen collaboration between government, industry, academia, communities, youth and international partners while encouraging practical participation in projects that create environmental, social and economic impact.
The future of the ocean is closely linked to the future of Brunei. Protecting marine ecosystems, restoring coastal habitats, supporting communities and building new blue economy opportunities are increasingly seen as part of the same national conversation.
Ocean Week Brunei 2026 invites the public to learn, connect, collaborate and take part in building a more sustainable and resilient ocean future for Brunei Darussalam.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
