Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate situated on the northwest coast of Borneo Island. It is bordered by Malaysia to the south and east, and features a 161-kilometer coastline along the South China Sea to the north. The country spans approximately 5,765 square kilometers. Geographically, Brunei is divided into two main regions: the western part, characterized by hilly lowlands and rapid infrastructure development, and the eastern part, which consists of swampy coastal plains that gradually rise into low hills and mountains reaching elevations of up to 1,850 meters. Brunei’s cultural and social practices are deeply entrenched in Islamic traditions and indigenous heritage. The nation’s economy is predominantly driven by its vast oil and natural gas reserves, with additional contributions from agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental tourism sectors.

It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, supported by extensive forested areas and a complex network of ecosystems. The country has established six protected areas, including the Ulu Temburong National Park, which is recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park. These protected regions play a vital role in conservation and foster sustainable ecotourism. As of 2024, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists 42 threatened species in Brunei, comprising two plant species and 38 animal species. Among these threatened species are the Bornean orangutan Pongo pygmaeus, the Proboscis monkey Nasalis larvatus, Sunda leopard cat Neofelis diardi for animals and the Giant dipterocarp Dipterocarpus grandiflorus and Corpse flower Rafflesia arnoldii for plants. These species are integral to Brunei’s ecological health and underscore the importance of continued conservation efforts.

References 

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2024). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org
• National Environment Agency of Brunei Darussalam. (2024). Protected Areas. Retrieved from http://www.neab.gov.bn
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2024). Ulu Temburong National Park. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5566

Brunei Darussalam is home to a diverse array of terrestrial biodiversity. The country supports over 507 bird species, 83 amphibian species, 80 lizard species, 30 snake species, 172 mammal species, more than 2,000 insect species, nearly 4,000 arthropod species, and over 3,000 plant species.

Brunei’s terrestrial biodiversity is closely linked with the Malaysian Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, reflecting the interconnected nature of the region’s ecosystems. Approximately 70% of Brunei’s land area is covered by tropical evergreen forests. This includes 59% primary forests, which remain largely undisturbed, and 22% secondary forests and mixed plantations, which have regenerated after disturbance. This dense forest cover is crucial for sustaining its diverse wildlife and plant life. The country has implemented conservation measures to address the pressures of human activity and promote sustainable management practices, ensuring the protection of its natural habitats and species.

Brunei Darussalam boasts a 161-kilometer coastline along the South China Sea, characterized by high-profile sandy beaches and a complex estuarine mangrove and mud-flat zone in the northeast. The country is home to diverse marine ecosystems, including the largest remaining intact mangroves in northern Borneo—and a coral reef system covering 45 square kilometers with over 50% live coral cover and 400 reef-building coral species.

Marine biodiversity in Brunei is rich, featuring around 1138 fish species, 200 species of mollusks, and 100 species of crustaceans. Its waters are visited by dolphins and whales and serve as nesting sites for sea turtles like the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The coastal environment also supports about 15 species of seagrasses and a variety of seaweeds.

Despite these natural riches, Brunei’s marine environment faces several anthropogenic pressures: overfishing, coastal pollution, habitat destruction due to development, climate change impacts such as coral bleaching, marine traffic risks, and tourism-related stress. In response, Brunei has established Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), implemented strict fishing regulations, and promoted environmental education to mitigate these threats and conserve its marine biodiversity.