Bengkulu forests under threat

Bengkulu forests under threat

BENGKULU: Officials here said on Monday 48,000 of 251,000
hectares of conserved forest in the province have been damaged by
illegal logging.

The head of the provincial forestry agency, Harjanto, told
Antara the immediate reforestation of the damaged areas was
necessary because the level of water absorption was declining,
increasing the possibility of flooding and landslide.

Harjanto said his office would increase the number of
employees from the current 130 to 200 to improve its monitoring
activities and reduce illegal logging. (lup)