Deforestation at alarming level

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Herman Musakabe says the degree of deforestation in the province has reached an alarming level and needs to be dealt with seriously.

"Reforestation efforts should be conducted annually," Herman was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying here on Tuesday.

He did not elaborate, however, as to what portion of the province's forests that have been damaged.

Addressing a meeting of the local Ministry of Forestry office, Herman called on the officials and experts to define formulas to best address the problem.

"Forestry development will contribute to the government effort to alleviate poverty in 508 villages in the province," he said. (swe)