WB aids coral reef preservation

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The World Bank and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) have extended grants totaling US$10.9 million to support the preservation of coral reefs in the Taka Bonerate National Marine Park in Selayar district.

"They chose Taka Bonerate as it is the world's third biggest atoll after Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and Suvadiva in the Maldives," said DM Akib Patta, head of the Selayar district administration on Saturday.

The World Bank donated some $6.8 million of the amount and the rest was from the GEF, he said.

Many coral reefs in Indonesian waters are badly damaged due to illegal fishing and pollution. (27)