Barru to conserve mangroves

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The regency of Barru in South Sulawesi is striving to conserve its mangrove forests, which have been damaged by people for years.

Barru Regent Muh. Rum said here on Wednesday that the conservation move had been legalized in Regency Decree No. 1/2001 on green areas comprising mangrove forests in the coastal areas in the regency.

Rum said that the damage of mangrove forests in the coastal areas had occurred due to, among other things, the establishment of industrial estates, residential complexes and fishery projects.

According to the decree, green areas comprise 225.37 hectares of mangrove forests.

Records indicate that actual mangrove forests account for only 30.68 hectares.

The new decree is aimed at protecting mangrove forests from further illegal exploitation and damage.

Rum did not reveal the cost the regency had allocated for its mangrove conservation campaign. --Antara