It's almost the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which we observe closely here in Brunei Darussalam. There is so much to say about the message and spirit of Ramadan, but I don't know where to start.
In lieu of words, please hop on to these websites to see the geography of Ramadan observance through pictures taken from all over the world (note the almost identical titles!):
To all Muslims in Brunei and beyond, I hope you have had a blessed and productive Ramadan, and wish you all a safe and merry Eid-ul-Fitr.
Environmental Studies/Geography and Development
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Borneo Research Council Conference, 25-27 June
Last June, UBD hosted the 11th biennial Borneo Research Council Conference here on campus, and received over 180 paper submissions from all over the world.
With my colleagues Dk Dr Noor Hasharina and Izni Azrein, I was involved with the organisation and running of the conference alongside other working committee members. The secretary of the conference was Dr Adrian Clynes who oversaw practically everything. It took months of preparation and alot of time and energy, but in the end we all took pleasure in the fact that most attendees enjoyed and benefited from the conference.
The conference also provided our combined three programmes the chance to shine - we were among the programmes with the most submissions in the conference. Below is a list and abstract of the papers that were presented by members of the Geo&Dev-Env Studies-Tourism programmes.
===============
1. Dr Debra Enzenbacher was the first among us to present. Her paper was on Monday, at 2pm
2. On the second day, we had four back-to-back presentations in Basement Room 5 from 8.30 to 10am.
3. The same day at 10am, Dr John Odihi presented his paper.
4. We were also represented in the afternoon with a paper from Dk Dr Noor Hasharina and Gabriel
5. Even on the last day, the Geo-Envi-Tour group had a showing! Dr Yusnani presented a paper in the afternoon.
With my colleagues Dk Dr Noor Hasharina and Izni Azrein, I was involved with the organisation and running of the conference alongside other working committee members. The secretary of the conference was Dr Adrian Clynes who oversaw practically everything. It took months of preparation and alot of time and energy, but in the end we all took pleasure in the fact that most attendees enjoyed and benefited from the conference.
The conference also provided our combined three programmes the chance to shine - we were among the programmes with the most submissions in the conference. Below is a list and abstract of the papers that were presented by members of the Geo&Dev-Env Studies-Tourism programmes.
===============
1. Dr Debra Enzenbacher was the first among us to present. Her paper was on Monday, at 2pm
Borneo
rain forest tourism: An exploratory case study of Brunei Darussalam tour
operations in Temburong District and the environmental parameters of these
visits
Debra Enzenbacher
Universiti Brunei Darussalam
debra.enzenbacher@ubd.edu.bn
Brunei Darussalam is marketed as an
ecotourism destination. The jewel in the country’s tourism crown is a
visit to Ulu Temburong National Park in Temburong District. Various tour
operators offer day and overnight trips to the national park in
Temburong. This study explores the tour operations, tour product
components and various operational challenges of these companies. It asks
whether taking visitors into primary rain forest can constitute a form of
ecotourism and considers some of the environmental parameters of these
visits. The study focuses on three of the main private tour operators
offering Temburong trips that depart from Bandar jetty. The methods
include participant observation and informal interviews with tour company
staff. The rain forest tours took place between May 2011 and May
2012. Brunei tour operators differ with respect to their rain forest tour
operations, tour products and environmental practice. Whether the trips
that are delivered at present may be described as eco-tours is subject to
debate. More research is needed to understand the effects that primary
rain forest tours have on the environment.
2. On the second day, we had four back-to-back presentations in Basement Room 5 from 8.30 to 10am.
Mangroves in the Inner
Brunei Bay: Updating the Knowledge Base using QuickBird Satellite Imagery
Jose Edgardo
L.Aban, Gabriel Y V Yong & Khairunnisa Hj Ibrahim
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam; edgardo.aban@ubd.edu.bn
The mangrove and mudflat system of the inner Brunei bay is largely
still in a pristine state and supports a number of unique and endangered
wildlife, including the Proboscis monkey (N. larvatus) and the large flying fox
(P. vampyris). It also serves important
functions in regulating the water quality of the bay and coastal seas, as well
as, the marine ecosystems’ natural fishery nursery. The mangroves were last
mapped during the 1987-1992 ASEAN-US Coastal Resource Management (CRMP)
Project, which culminated in the development of an Integrated Coastal Zone
Management Plan (ICZMP) for Brunei Darussalam. Although the Plan included
mangrove and wildlife conservation projects, there has not been adequate
progress. Presently, there are at least two major infrastructure project
proposals which may threaten these mangroves as they would involve cutting
large swathes through the 15-km mangrove zones in Northern Temburong. Although
the projects appear likely to have significant negative impacts on the
ecosystem and certain wildlife, current information is much too outdated to
support accurate environmental impact analysis, environmental management or
mitigation initiatives, or conservation programmes. The paper is part of a
Universiti Brunei Darussalam funded project aimed at mapping changes in the
Brunei bay mangroves. It combines the use of QuickBird Satellite imagery and
field surveys conducted over a period of a year beginning in May 2011. It aims
to update the existing knowledge base to reflect recent environmental changes
over the area. A key part of the project involves identifying satellite-based
spectral signatures of the main mangrove species, which will significantly
improve monitoring and management efforts. The paper also provides an overall
assessment of the health of mangroves using 2009 satellite images.
Use of WorldView Satelite
Imagery in Wildlife Conservation at Pulau Berambang
Gabriel Y V
Yong, Jose Edgardo L Aban, Khairunnisa Hj Ibrahim
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam; gabyong@gmail.com
The mangroves that surround Pulau Berambang have been proposed as a
wildlife sanctuary for the conservation of the proboscis monkey (N. larvartus)
and migratory birds. However, since the early 2000s, a large population of
flying fox (P. vampyrus) has begun roosting in the eastern area of the island.
However, the wildlife sanctuary is not managed. It has not been mapped or
supported by studies of the habitats, environmental conditions and potential
impacts from development taking place in its vicinity. Presently, a large “dead
zone” has developed in the mangrove where these flying foxes roost. Also, much
of the southern portions of the sanctuary have been converted for farming. A
proposal to link the island to the mainland via a bridge further threatens
wildlife conservation and the sustainability of the island as a wildlife
sanctuary, as it is likely to spur development of the island, particularly to
support trade and increase in human migration. The paper aims to fill in the
large data gaps on the state of the wildlife sanctuary at Pulau Berambang and
its surroundings to support wildlife conservation through the use of
Worldview-2 satellite imagery. Worldview-2 is a high-resolution multispectral
satellite with enhanced capability for differentiating between vegetation types
and mapping sub-tidal environments. The paper will present preliminary findings
on distinctive habitat types and their health based on a 2010 Worldview-2 scene
that includes the eastern part of Pulau Berambang and associated mudflats and
channels.
Impacts of Landuse Change
on Boundary Climates: Forest Cover in Brunei Darussalam
William John
Duane, Jose Egardo L. Aban, Gabriel Y V Yong
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam
The negative impacts of removing large areas of forest cover are well
known. Such action results in a
reduction in CO2 absorption, an increase in CO2 emission (through burning or
natural decay), an increase in soil erosion, as well as disturbance to the
natural habitat of many flora and fauna that rely on the trees for their
existence. Additionally, tree cover
reduces temperatures at the surface and near-surface (boundary layer). This is achieved by not only providing shade
but also, through the process of transpiration, converting sensible heat into
its latent form and transporting it away in the form of water vapour and, also,
acting as a heat sink due to the forest’s higher specific heat capacity
(compared to the surface and air). With
removal of tree cover the surface temperatures will increase, although the
absolute amount of increase depends upon many factors. This research combines
field measurements of surface and near-surface temperatures with satellite
imagery of Brunei Darussalam to calculate the increase in temperature due to
the removal of forest cover. The thermal
channel for Landsat data is used to calculate surface temperatures while the
visible and near-infrared channels are used to calculate the normalised difference
vegetation index (NDVI) which is used as a surrogate for vegetation cover. Field observations are used to develop the
relationship between surface and near-surface temperatures under varying tree
cover. The analysis extrapolates the
field measurements to the changes in forest cover obtained from a sequence of
Landsat images of Brunei from 1972 up to 2007, producing an estimate of change
in surface and near-surface air temperatures due to forest cover change.
An investigation of cliff
erosion at Berakas, Brunei Darussalam
Maurice Boon,
William John Duane, Gabriel Yong
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam; m_boon7@hotmail.com
Various coastal processes are responsible for high rates of erosion of
soft, unconsolidated landforms, typical of that which dominates the Brunei
Darussalam coastline exposed to the South China Sea, particularly along the
Berakas area. Knowledge of how much material is being eroded and greater
understanding of the processes involved is of considerable importance to
estimate future losses and assess source material contributions to the littoral
sediment budget. The major aim of this research is to quantify and map the
amount of material lost from the cliffs. This is achieved using a servo-driven,
reflectorless, scanning total station (Trimble S6) to provide a series of
points defined by X, Y and Z coordinates, such that digital elevation models
can be constructed. Spatially-referenced volume loss can then be calculated
from repeated scans over a period of time. Drivers of erosion are also
monitored to assess the relative contributions of the drivers towards rates of
erosion. These drivers include lithology, climate parameters and
geomorphological features. Description of the cliff sequence, using different
methodologies, is of fundamental importance in determining likely types of
erosion, such as mass movement, soil creep, etc. Various methods of describing
the cliffs are explored as well as the dominant processes responsible for cliff
erosion. A risk map to indicate exposure and vulnerability to coastal erosion
along the Berakas coast is to be produced to provide shoreline managers and
competent authorities with relevant information for better decision-making with
regard to future land use planning.
3. The same day at 10am, Dr John Odihi presented his paper.
Up against the
tide: the challenge of sustaining indigenous knowledge in Brunei Darussalam and
implications for environmental sustainability
John Onu
Odihi
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam
This study used the concept of an intergenerational custom filter to
understand the younger generation’s level of indigenous knowledge of its
community or ethnic group. The results
show that there are differences in such levels along the lines of ethnicity and
gender. The younger generation of females was more knowledgeable about the ways
of their people than their male counterparts. The state of indigenous knowledge
in the future in some longhouse communities is perilous due to lack of interest
among the male younger generation, inadequate archival or documentation of
indigenous knowledge and the inevitable passing on of the older generation, the present custodians of indigenous
knowledge. Other factors include stiff competition from other countries
with a comparative advantage in the production of indigenous arts and crafts,
emigration from the land and imperial influences on communities due to the
penetration of foreign ideas via television programmes and most recently, the
cancerous spread of the internet and social media. For this study, I developed
a concept known as the Intergenerational Indigenous Knowledge System Filter
(IIKSF) and used it to gauge the level of IK among the present young generation
in the Brunei Darussalam communities, which I studied. Simply, IIKSF technique
determines the levels of IK and technical competence among generations in a
community and seeks explanations for their mediation or hindrance. The aim of
this study is to provide some information to contribute towards sustaining IK
from the perspective of Brunei Darussalam or Southeast Asia which the country
and the study communities are an important part of. Surveys of indigenous
communities in Brunei Darussalam with varying degrees of integration/isolation
with/from the larger society were carried out in a period of about 10 years
from 1997 to 2006. The results show that whereas each community has developed
its own system of beneficial interaction with its immediate environment, there
is a danger of losing IK and skills, which have helped these communities to
survive in the natural environment. This paper presents the results of the
surveys, discusses them and makes suggestions for the sustainability of IK.
4. We were also represented in the afternoon with a paper from Dk Dr Noor Hasharina and Gabriel
My rumah or my crib:
Changing living spaces of young Bruneians
Dk Noor
Hasharina Pg Hj Hassan, Gabriel Y.V. Yong
Universiti
Brunei Darussalam
Often scholars propagate the need to maintain local traditional
cultures to conserve local identity and traditional culture. However,
transformation and hybridisation of culture seems inevitable in today’s
society. Geographical studies of consumption involve the transformation in the
consumption culture and the possible imprints on physical spaces including
living spaces. The aim of this paper is to examine to what extent is
consumerism and globalisation altering living spaces in Brunei. The study will
investigate firstly, how globalisation is shaping Bruneians’ consumption,
focussing on living spaces preferences. It will also consider how traditional
roots such as experiences of living in local traditional homes have any impact
on their living preferences and consumption. This study reflects on the
hybridisation process of cultural transformation on Bruneians and emerging
trends in living spaces preferences and consumption patterns
5. Even on the last day, the Geo-Envi-Tour group had a showing! Dr Yusnani presented a paper in the afternoon.
Regeneration of
retail spaces in Bandar Seri Begawan
Yusnani Mohd
Yusof
FASS,
Universiti Brunei Darussalam
yusnani.yusof@ubd.edu.bn
Too many new shops but many existing vacant ones! Was it the fault of
developers who have gone on overdrive, building regardless of demand for retail
spaces? Or, could it be the case that when new shops are erected, they become
the current excitement centre, the older premises, abandoned? This paper
examines vacant retail areas in Bandar Seri Begawan, their decline and the
importance of urban image through a better understanding of the processes of
revitalising degraded urban environmental spaces. Using four selected case
study areas and non-probability convenience sampling method, retail spaces are
identified using ANZSIC standards. A visual analysis identifies the type, size
and location of vacant non-domestic property. The paper concludes by drawing
out the implications for extending the research to cover all retail spaces of
the city in regenerating the sustainable urban identity.
==============================
Well done team! I'm quite proud to be part of this trio of programmes that has and is actively producing and presenting research on a range of issues.
My apologies to my collaborators on papers that I was supposed to present on the second day, but couldn't due to ill health.
Hope we will have a similarly healthy representation in the next BRC Conference =)
High hopes in Hanoi
Our colleague Ken has shared a short video of a Hanoi street scene that shows so much of the city's character in the space of two minutes. Shot at ground level, it shows the hustle and bustle of a busy urban area.
Towards the middle, there was a buildup of suspense that culminated in a truly delightful sighting. You'd have to watch the video to find out what that is.
Thanks to Ken for sharing this lovely, sense-of-place snippet and hope you'll have more to share. If any of you out there want to share your own, please do get in touch with me and I'll post your video/photo and story here.
Towards the middle, there was a buildup of suspense that culminated in a truly delightful sighting. You'd have to watch the video to find out what that is.
Thanks to Ken for sharing this lovely, sense-of-place snippet and hope you'll have more to share. If any of you out there want to share your own, please do get in touch with me and I'll post your video/photo and story here.
What a hiatus!
Three months of non-posting is rather too long, and I apologise for the drought. Interestly, my long absence coincided with the UBD summer break.
We are now about a week into the new semester, and here I am again, blogging.
Perhaps presence of students helps facilitate blogging? Or is my posting pattern motivated by classes and interaction with students and colleagues?
Lots of news to share - hope I can remember them all.
Onwards with the posts.
We are now about a week into the new semester, and here I am again, blogging.
Perhaps presence of students helps facilitate blogging? Or is my posting pattern motivated by classes and interaction with students and colleagues?
Lots of news to share - hope I can remember them all.
Onwards with the posts.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Local places and progress: Royal birthday landscape
Every July, Brunei's streets and public areas will undergo a festive transformation. Flags will be flown, banners with His Majesty's likeness will start swinging from lampposts, celebratory banners will start appearing everywhere - all in commemoration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's birthday anniversary on July 15.
In recent years, large posters sponsored by companies and organisations were put up strategically by road junctions using space that, during other times, would carry advertisements.
This year the same trend may not reappear, as His Majesty questioned the use of advertising space for this purpose during a visit to the Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this month. According to this Brunei Times article on the subject:
The monarch pointed out how some [posters] are put up at inappropriate places such
as junctions with the idea that it would be seen by all motorists who
pass by as if it were advertisements. "Why I am commenting on this,
because even as I speak, the places which normally carry these
advertisements, will soon be replaced with my images," said His Majesty.
This has been going on for quite some time, said His Majesty, as he queried on how the choosing of locations for these promotional campaigns that normally carry advertisements automatically become the place where national celebrations are promoted as well.
"Is there no other place which is appropriate or strategic?" asked His Majesty. "It is my opinion that, national celebration landmarks are not advertisements, and should not be intended to charm consumers as advertisements do, but should be strategically placed to evoke the spirit of patriotism and nationalism," said His Majesty.
The festive landscape that appears during National Day and the royal birthday celebrations is a temporary one - dismantled as soon as the celebratory period is over. Would His Majesty's titah alter the July incarnation in a significant manner?
According to Ken, who alerted me to this story (thanks Ken!), he's going to make this story his next project. Look forward to his findings and sharing them here.
If you have any thoughts or opinions about this topic, feel free to contribute in the comments section.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Local places and progress
Thought I'd introduce a new series focusing on developments taking place in different parts of Brunei Darussalam. The idea struck after reading quite a number of articles in The Brunei Times today relating activities happening in particular landmarks.
Four articles today - please click on the links to get to the full articles from BT.
- Good news for Tasek Lama hiking buffs - the recreational park is getting much needed repairs and improvements.
- I have mixed feelings about the BSB-Lumapas bridgeway - on the one hand it will improve accessibility to that mukim and surrounding ones, and raise their profiles and economic opportunities; on the other, a long bridge cutting through picturesque Kg Ayer will have repercussions, not to mention serious environmental impacts - which after a long delay is finally underway.
- The ever-popular Gadong night market (pasar malam/tamu Gadong) is expanded with the launch of a new section tonight. When I passed by the area a few nights ago, the temporary stalls are still up and running, so not sure if the new $2.6m permanent stalls will completely replace those.
- BSB doesn't have the monopoly on waterfronts - Tutong town now boasts its own. The Pekan Tutong waterfront which was launched recently is quite popular with residents and visitors who fish and jog along the area, among others activities.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Interesting reads
Happy exam season! The final semester of the 2011-2012 is coming to a close, and exams kicked off just this morning.
To pick things up after a lengthy lack of posts, here are some readings that might be of interest:
- The world of academic publishing may be radically changing as social media becomes more advanced and the need for instant access to scientific knowledge more pressing. Richard Price writes compellingly about this vision of the future of science.
- The opening line of Richard Mabey's article, the second in an essay series on nature and landscape, makes it an instant must-read: Psychogeographers, the cognoscenti tell us, have been rebranded less dizzily as “deep topographers”.
- Urban geographers might enjoy this textual and visual feast of Teufelsberg, Germany in this article on the city as a palimpsest.
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