Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Kampong Ayer

Abstract

Brunei Darussalam is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. This study focuses on future sustainability of Kampong Ayer, largely a settlement as a consequence of land-based development. Many that remain are in the low-income group due to the lack of economic opportunities. They have become dependent on government welfare programmes. The cost of frequent home repairs due to environmental factors has become a burden in the modern world. Although the people have a close relationship with the estuary, and are highly adaptive, climate change is a slow and imperceptible process and will therefore catch the people off-guard. This study argues that intervention is needed. A policy based on SDGs 1, 11, and 13 would be most appropriate, as they address the most pressing issues in KA: poverty, sustainable cities and communities, and climate adaption.