Terengganu:The Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, emphasized the state's potential to balance economic development with biodiversity conservation. Speaking at the Terengganu Biodiversity Seminar 2026 at Wisma Darul Iman, he highlighted the need for responsible development that respects the natural environment's limits to ensure future access to natural resources and a healthy environment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the regent stressed that sustainable development involves more than generating economic value today; it ensures future generations inherit resources and a healthy living space. He underscored the importance of protecting Terengganu's natural heritage, which includes diverse ecosystems such as coastlines, forests, and marine areas.

Tengku Muhammad Ismail noted that these ecosystems are interconnected and play crucial roles, such as forests sustaining water resources and mangroves protecting coastlines. He pointed out the detrimental effects on the entire ecosystem when one part is disrupted. With nearly eight million visitors recently, he saw an opportunity to raise environmental awareness among locals and tourists and highlighted the potential global impact of consistent local actions.

He also called for collaboration among various stakeholders, including researchers, government agencies, and local communities, to enhance biodiversity conservation. Aligning efforts with national frameworks and integrating scientific data into decision-making were also deemed essential for effective outcomes.

The regent inaugurated the seminar with hopes of fostering knowledge exchange, building partnerships, and translating ideas into action to benefit both local and global ecosystems and future generations.