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)