Thousand Islands Deputy Regent Urges Public to Boost Ecological Awareness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Regent of Kepulauan Seribu, Aceng Zaeni, has urged the public in the island region to increase their ecological awareness in safeguarding the sustainability of the island area. “We are encouraging the growth of ecological awareness, which is the understanding that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility for the continuity of life in the island region,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday. He stated that the wise utilisation of natural resources is also a primary concern for the local government. “The public is expected to utilise natural resources in a responsible and sustainable manner so as not to damage the existing ecosystem,” he said. He also stressed the importance of building harmonious partnerships with nature as part of the coastal community’s life. “Everyone must live in harmony with nature, not exploiting it excessively so that the ecosystem balance is maintained,” he said. He added that the development of environmentally friendly local economies is also being promoted so that the benefits can be directly felt by the public. His side wants local economies such as the fisheries and tourism sectors to develop while still preserving the environment. He said that to increase public ecological awareness, collaboration between the government and the community is needed in maintaining environmental cleanliness and ecosystem balance in the island region. “This is important so that the benefits are sustainable for the public,” he said.