WB aids coral reef preservation

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)