Traditional logic key to conserving natural resources

JAKARTA (JP): Even if doomsday is around the corner, not many people are willing to give up their greedy habits to save future generations.

As the saying goes, "We don't know how much a tree is worth until we cut it down."

Speakers at a recent workshop on biodiversity in Serpong, West Java, stressed that conservation efforts must involve local people and immediately benefit them.

Former minister of environment Emil Salim and his successor Sarwono Kusumaatmadja were among the speakers who urged practical action.

"We have often been criticized for having abstract plans," Emil said at the closing of the three-day workshop on Saturday. The talk was organized by the Indonesian Biosphere and Human Development Institute chaired by former forestry minister Sudjarwo.

Earlier, Sarwono urged participants to determine if Indonesia could pioneer "continuing conservation while attaching economic value to our neglected resources," in the absence of model countries.

Researchers say this market logic can work by first reintroducing knowledge that has been floating around for centuries.

"That way we can retain and use our biodiversity," said Mien A. Rifai, who leads a plant research center called Herbarium Bogoriense.

Local knowledge of nature is vanishing rapidly, speakers noted, citing taboo periods for fishing as an example of how abandoning tradition has adversely affected the environment.

Rifai also pushed for saving ancestral knowledge, adding that it should be backed up with science. The need is urgent, but Indonesian scientists have been moving at a snail's pace to recover and devise ways to feed and shelter the nations growing millions.

"In the past 50 years no new superior mangoes, minor grain legumes or local vegetables have been developed...," he said.

He pointed out that the variety of food in Indonesia, like the 100 species of cereals, roots, sago and other plants, could meet carbohydrate requirements.

Sarwono, however, complained about the "monoculture attitude" of urbanites who are increasingly dependent on flour.

Although traditional recipes and medicine are already popular, researchers pointed out that their popularity has not translated into replanting or conservation -- endangering certain plants.

-- Eco-labeling