Sandalwood endangered

Sandalwood endangered

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Herman Musakabe has
called for each family in the province to plant 10 sandalwood
trees a year in a bid to save the species from extinction.

The fragrant wood, which is protected by law, is increasingly
endangered due to illegal logging.

The provincial government has sponsored the replanting of 200
hectares of sandalwood in the regencies of Kupang, Northern
Central Timor, Southern Central Timor, Belu, East Sumba and West
Sumba.

Sandalwood from East Nusa Tenggara has been internationally
known since the 16th century when Portuguese merchants visited
the Solor Islands.

Tribal chiefs in Southern Central Timor called on the
government Monday to take stern legal action against people who
illegally logged sandalwood. (yac/pan)