Mangrove forest endangered

AMBON, Maluku: Massive exploitation of the mangrove forest on the northern coast of Buru island here by locals over the past few years has threatened the forest's existence.

"The mangrove potential is huge, but now it's almost gone due to massive cutting by locals," the head of the local forestry office, Soewardjo Martokusumo, was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

Soewardjo said local people had been using the mangrove forest to collect fire wood for their medicinal oil brewery industry.

Quoting the results of field observations, Soewardjo said the mangrove forest had been massively exploited because it was the closest available fuel source.

To prevent more damage, he said the office had launched a sustained campaign disseminating information on the impacts should the mangrove forest disappear from the area. (aan)