Govt declares 2 national parks

JAYAPURA: The government has declared a national park in Wasur, Merauke district, and one in Cendrawasih bay, Irian Jaya, provincial forestry official Kayat R. Sutayo said here Friday.

"The approval, issued this month, was signed by the minister of forestry and state minister of administrative reforms," Kayat was quoted by Antara as saying. He said his office was training staff to manage the parks.

The Cendrawasih bay marine national park will cover the subdistricts of Manokwari, Biak Numfor, Nabire and Yapen Waropen.

Manokwari is home to the forestry research agency of Cendrawasih University's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

On 413,810 hectares, the Wasur National Park has rich flora and fauna, including palms, orchids, deer and birds. (swe)