Pick flora and fauna mascots, regions told

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called on all provinces, regencies and villages yesterday to pick a flora and a fauna species as their mascots, and help the official drive to conserve the nation's biodiversity.

Indonesia's wealth of biodiversity is not solely intended to be exploited for the country's development, because it performs a vital function affecting the global climate and environment, Soeharto said in a written speech marking "Love Fauna and Flora National Day."

The speech was read by Jakarta Deputy Governor T.B. Rais in a ceremony at Sea World in Ancol Dreamland, Antara said.

Indonesia has an obligation to prevent flora and fauna species from becoming extinct, Soeharto said. "The environmental awareness of the Indonesian people must be strengthened."

Each region, down to village level, should select a flora and a fauna species typical of its area, for a mascot, he said. "The collection of these species will become a priceless national asset," he said.

The appeal to select mascots was first made by the President at last year's celebration.

State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja in his address, said each of the 27 provinces has already selected local flora and fauna species for their mascots, and they now await approvals from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The minister did not hide his disappointment that only South Sulawesi had picked a fish, the Belida, for its fauna mascot.

"This indicates the low attention people give toward the conservation of natural resources in the sea and along the shores.

"Marine biodiversity is no less important than land biodiversity," he said.

"We appeal to regency administrations to select marine flora and fauna for their mascots. But that is up to each regional administration," he told reporters later.

At the national level, Sarwono said the government has made its selection.

Melati (Jasmine) is the National Flora mascot, Anggrek Bulan (Moon Orchid) the Charming Flora and Padma Raksasa (Giant Lotus) the Rare Flora. The Komodo dragon is the National Fauna mascot, the Siluk Merah fish the Charming Fauna and the Javanese Eagle is the Rare Fauna.

President Soeharto underscored the need to instill love towards animal and plants in people from an early age.

"Our children should know by name all the flora and fauna species that are the nation's pride," Soeharto said. (emb)