Flora and fauna on steep decline

Flora and fauna on steep decline

JAKARTA: A senior bureaucrat expressed concern yesterday over
the rapid decline in Indonesia's rich biodiversity due to urban
development.

Regional Development Director General Feisal Tamin said an
increasing number of species are coming under threat.

"In planning development officials should not only focus on
instant results, such as visible increases in resident's incomes,
but they should consider sustaining natural resources," said
Feisal.

Feisal's comments were read at an environment workshop for
regency government officials from across Indonesia, held in the
South Kalimantan capital of Banjarmasin. M. Butar Butar, his
deputy on environmental affairs, presented the paper.

Current development does not address environmental concerns
such as contaminated water, air pollution and the destruction of
biodiversity, Feisal said.

"To minimize impact development should be carried out in
tandem with consideration of environmental carrying capacity and
improving the welfare of the people," Feisal said.

The workshop was held to mark the national flora and fauna
commemoration day that fell on Nov. 8. (06)