Governor: Gorontalo Mangrove Forest Is In Worrying Condition
29 August 2015 13:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Gorontalo - Gorontalo Governor Rusli Habibie said the current condition of mangrove forests in the region is very worrying because many are damaged.
"We must seriously to save mangrove forests that are growing increasingly damaged," Rusli said Saturday, August 29.
He explained that currently the vast mangrove forests throughout the province of Gorontalo are estimated to be around 5,867.25 hectares, scattered in the North Gorontalo, Boalemo and Pohuwato Regencies.
Of those number, it is estimated that currently about 1,000 hectares have been damaged, degraded and has been converted into community ponds.
"People are less concerned with the condition of mangrove forests, and arbitrarily cut them down to be used as fish and shrimp ponds," said Rusli.
According to him, the government and the various components of society must immediately take real steps to save the mangrove forest, otherwise its condition will get worse.
He explained, mangrove forests are very beneficial to the community because it can withstand abrasion, strong winds, waves and as breeding ground for marine life and to maintain the stability of terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Efforts made by the government to inform the benefits and functions of mangrove forests for human survival and replanting damaged areas programs.
"We will also make a regional decree either through provincial and regency governments, to crack down on offenders who damage the forests or convert it,” said Rusli.
He added that from now on there needs to be real action by all components to save mangrove forests, and to find solutions to various problems which lead to clearing and conversion.
ANTARA