Indonesia's marine ecosystem in jeopardy<\/p>\n
AMBON (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono
\nKusumaatmadja expressed concern Saturday over the alarming rate
\nof pollution and destruction in the marine ecosystems of various
\nparts of the country.<\/p>\n
Sarwono blamed most of the environmental degradation on poorly
\nchecked and coordinated development activities. He also lashed
\nout at the private companies that have developed coastal areas
\nwithout considering the impact of their activities on the
\nenvironment, Antara reported.<\/p>\n
Some of the most badly degraded coasts are in northern Java,
\nBali, South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi and in the Ambon Bay, the
\nminister said at the opening of a seminar on the marine ecosystem
\nin Ambon.<\/p>\n
The seminar was organized by the Indonesia Sea Foundation and
\nHualopu Foundation, in cooperation with the Office of the State
\nMinister of Environment.<\/p>\n
Sarwono told some 150 participants that environmental problems
\nremained unresolved partly because of lack of government control,
\npoor law enforcement, limited human resources and insufficient
\nsupporting facilities.<\/p>\n
The efforts to cope with the problems are further complicated
\nby poor public awareness and understanding and weak support from
\nNon-Governmental Organizations, Sarwono said.<\/p>\n
Sarwono, however, admitted that limited public environmental
\nawareness had much to do with poverty.<\/p>\n
He said it was time for Indonesia to involve the public
\nthrough the Sea Security Program (Siskamla) so as to deal with
\nmarine pollution and the destruction of Indonesia's marine
\necosystem in line with government's commitment to sustainable
\ndevelopment.<\/p>\n
"It is necessary to start the public action soon because of
\nthe pressing problem of pollution and the destruction of our seas
\nand their coasts," he said.<\/p>\n
The seminar will be followed by activities like the regreening
\nof coastal areas and monitoring of marine pollution, which will
\nhopefully involve the public.<\/p>\n
"It is necessary to realize the importance of coasts and seas,
\nespecially coral reefs and mangrove, to human life," Sarwono
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of coral reefs have been destroyed by fishermen who
\nuse explosives to catch fish, while some coastal areas are eroded
\ndue to the illegal felling of mangrove trees, he added. (sim)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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