Bali chosen as 'a model'

DENPASAR, Bali: The resort island of Bali has been chosen for a regional development program that aims to anticipate pollution in Southeast Asian waters, Antara reported on Saturday.

The head of the provincial Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedalda), Rachmat Rani, said the program was aimed to be a showcase of the role of developing countries in handling sea pollution "through interdisciplinary and participative approaches."

"One of the program's strategies is Integrated Coastal Management which aims to decrease and prevent pollution risks," Rani said.

The five-year program will start in Badung regency and move onto Gianyar, Klungkung and Karangasem regencies and Denpasar, he said.

He said the program would support the provincial government's efforts to develop human resources in terms of handling sea pollution.

The program, to be financed by the Global Environment Facility, will be conducted in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program, Rani said.