Barru to conserve mangroves

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