• Today: July 21, 2026

Brunei launches park sustainability project

 

The Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Forestry Department, launched a one-year Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification project for Ulu Temburong National Park (UTNP) and Luagan Lalak Recreation Park (LLRP) in May 2026.

The project aims to strengthen the sustainable management of both parks in accordance with internationally recognised standards, positioning both parks as certified sustainable tourism attractions while safeguarding the natural heritage of Brunei Darussalam for future generations.

According to the Tourism Development Department, the GSTC is the globally recognised body that establishes and manages international standards for sustainable travel and tourism. GSTC Certification provides formal international recognition that a tourism site is managed in accordance with established sustainability criteria, offering credibility to visitors, industry partners, and the broader tourism sector.

Achieving GSTC Certification would provide several benefits to UTNP and LLRP, including enhanced international credibility, improved sustainability and visitor management practices, stronger protection of natural and cultural assets, and increased confidence among visitors and tourism industry partners.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council Certification project aims to strengthen the sustainable management of parks in accordance with internationally recognised standards. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

The certification may also strengthen the market positioning of both parks, support responsible tourism growth, and create greater opportunities for local communities and tourism businesses.

The project involves comprehensive assessments against the GSTC Attraction Criteria, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and the development of practical action plans to address identified gaps.

Both parks were selected for their biodiversity, natural environments, and ecotourism potential.

Through the initiative, both parks are expected to further enhance environmental conservation, strengthen visitor management, improve visitor experiences, and generate socio-economic benefits for surrounding communities through sustainable tourism practices.

As part of the project, preliminary assessments have been conducted through site visits, document reviews, and stakeholder consultation sessions to evaluate the current sustainability performance of both parks.

A stakeholder awareness workshop was also held to introduce the GSTC certification and present the preliminary findings, providing stakeholders with a shared understanding of the certification process and the improvements required to achieve international recognition.

This initiative contributes to the broader national development priorities of Brunei Darussalam, including Brunei Vision 2035, the Brunei Darussalam Tourism Industry Roadmap 2024-2035, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by promoting environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable economic development.

Through partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability, the project is expected to contribute
towards strengthening the standing of Brunei Darussalam as a destination for sustainable nature-based tourism.

Consultants during the stakeholders engagement for Ulu Temburong National Park. PHOTO: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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