Refugees hamper reforestation

Refugees hamper reforestation

ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The forestry office in Belu regency said on Thursday that it could not start a reforestation program in Malaka Tengah district because the place was occupied by refugees.

"We can't start reforestation because 1,777 East Timorese refugees are still living there," said head of the forestry office Tisera Antonius in Atambua on Thursday.

He added that his office had prepared teak and mahogany seeds to be planted in Kateri forest, which is currently in use as a refugee camp.

According to Tisera, it required coordination between the forestry, manpower and transmigration, and agriculture affairs offices to organize the reforestation.

He said his office had decided to delay the program until all refugees were relocated to resettlement areas. - Antara