Mangroves to fight erosion

Mangroves to fight erosion

INDRAMAYU, West Java: Residents of Karangsong village planted
on Sunday thousands of mangrove trees along a coast which has
been in a critical condition of late due to erosion.

The mass planting was part of commemorations to mark
International Wetlands Day on Feb. 2, and was attended by
Minister for Environment Sonny Keraf.

Director of International-Indonesia Wetlands Program (WI-IP)
Dibjo Sartono said that Indonesia has converted wetlands without
considering the environmental impact, damaging mangrove forest.

"So, this is a challenge for us. Especially as Indonesia has
37.5 million hectares of wetlands, but has little concern over
it," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Meanwhile, Sonny said that wetlands in swamps and estuaries
possess high ecological value for the continuity of biodiversity
in coastal and sea areas.

"Mangrove is the main ecosystem supporting life at coastal sea
areas, as it provides nutrition for fish and sea-life. It also
protects coasts from erosion and avoids sea water intrusion
inland," he said.(hdn)