Riverbank reforestation to cost Rp 1.8t

Riverbank reforestation to cost Rp 1.8t

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Most of North Sumatra's 1.9 million
hectares of riverbank areas are in a critical condition and it
will cost a whopping Rp 1.8 trillion (US$204 million) to reforest
them.

"We have only received Rp 26 billion for reforestation from
the central government, so unless the fund is increased, it will
take 70 years to restore the catchment areas," Lamris Sitompul,
head of the provincial riverbank management center, told a
hearing with local legislators.

He estimated the rehabilitation of one hectare of critical
land would cost at least Rp 5 million, and probably more because
such action would be hampered by land degradation and a lack of
community awareness.

The councillors deplored the critical situation of 12 river
basins, despite the area's annual reforestation schemes, and
warned the local government against diverting Japanese aid for
mangrove rejuvenation to businessmen. --JP