As Brunei Darussalam joins the growing membership of countries that is hoped to send a stronger message to the world that it is possible to take positive action against global warming, the lights at the iconic building situated at the heart of where Brunei first originated from will be turned off for one hour.

Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed, Director of the Brunei Tourism Development Board made the announcement yesterday that the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery has been officially designated as the national icon that would represent the Sultanate, he explained that as the lead agency in this global climate change awareness campaign, “Brunei Tourism is proud to be part of this global activity that has also been endorsed by the Secretary General of the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund”.

A Global Earth Hour spokesman at the EarthHour.org headquarters in Australia, commented, on condition of anonymity, that it would be the first time that Brunei is taking part and “Brunei is one of 110 countries and regions in the world that have been confirmed to take part in the Earth Hour campaign this year”.

The Earth Hour campaign requires countries to voluntarily agree to switch off a national landmark as proof of participation, which saw major monuments and buildings darkened in 88 countries last year.

“It truly has become a global campaign because almost everyday, we have countries joining us between now and the actual day, which is Saturday, March 27,” noted the spokesperson.

“This growing global initiative has almost taken a life of its own, as more and more people all over the world have come online and registered their pledge with us to participate, which goes to show that there are plenty of people out there who want to see something done about climate change.”

One of the Earth Hour Representatives for Brunei, Mohd Rosmarimey Hj Osman, explained that it was fitting that the iconic landmark in Kg Ayer was selected, as “this is where Brunei started”.

His fellow Earth Hour colleague, Pg Sarimah Pg Hj Abd Latiff went on to point out: “The event is not just about switching off lights. It’s mostly about educating people and spreading awareness. This gallery has been selected to represent Brunei during the 60-minute Earth Hour campaign, and as this is the first time that Brunei has officially participated, it’s also just as symbolic that we chose a landmark where Brunei first began from.”

Built at a cost of over $3 million, the hexagonally shaped Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery was designed based on a water village house of the 10th Century, with unique blends of old and contemporary designs and motifs.

• Nation mourns as Sabah bus crash victims return home
• US envoy looks forward to working with new Brunei cabinet
• 'We do not only have relations with M'sia, we are relations'
• His Majesty to hold bilateral meetings
• Sultan joins leaders to give Muslim economies a boost