ADB finances reef rehabilitation

ADB finances reef rehabilitation

BATAM, Riau: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has disbursed an Rp 18 billion loan for the rehabilitation of coral reefs around Abang island in Batam.

"The loan is especially designed for Abang island," Abang Muzni, the director of the Batam Marine, Fisheries and Husbandry Office, said on Friday.

The loan would be used to rehabilitate the coral reefs surrounding the island, which had been mostly destroyed by sand mining, he said.

Besides the ADB loan, the central government would also donate Rp 900 million to the island, aimed at empowering people in coastal areas, Abang said.--Antara