RI, PNG agree to preserve wild life

RI, PNG agree to preserve wild life

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Zoology experts from the Wasur National
Park in Irian Jaya and the Tonda National Park in neighboring
Papua New Guinea (PNG) have agreed to cooperate in preserving the
two parks' wildlife and ecosystems.

The two sides will determine the form of the cooperation when
they meet soon, provincial head of the Worldwide Fund for Nature,
Zulfira Warta, was quoted by Antara on Friday.

The meeting also aims to discuss plans to unite the eastern
portions of the 400,000-hectare Wasur park and the 600,000-
hectare Tonda park.

Warta did not give a date for the meeting, but said between
200 and 300 bird species, most of which are unique to the island,
could be found in both parks. Uniting the two parks would make it
the biggest wetland in the world, he said.

Indonesia's easternmost province of Irian Jaya shares an 800-
kilometer (500-mile) border with Papua New Guinea. (swe)