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)