Forest reserve under threat

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An official warned here yesterday that gold panning, logging and massive sand quarrying were endangering the one-million hectare Mt. Cycloop's forest reserve.

The head of the provincial forestry and plantation office, Sudjud, said that unless drastic and immediate steps were taken to stop the practices, the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the Sentani subdistrict would be severely affected.

"Many locals cut down trees for firewood and charcoal," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said forest rangers often found locals illegally quarrying large quantities of sand and gravel to sell to building contractors.

The reserve is also very important because it serves as a source of drinking water for local residents.