"We are struggling to collect funds to seal the holes left behind due to illegal gold mining activities in the region of Dongi-Dongi, Poso, Central Sulawesi. The holes should be patched first before restoring the area after which the rehabilitation work can be conducted," Sudayatna noted.
The restoration and rehabilitation work will be funded by the government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, but the national park is still encountering difficulties in obtaining funds to seal the leftover mining holes.
Sudayatna noted that once the funds were collected, patching activities in the area would soon be carried out.
After all holes are sealed, the national parks authorities will then conduct tree-planting activities in the area.
Illegal mining activities have also damaged the surrounding forest area; hence, more rehabilitation efforts are needed.
"We will restore the area to its original function," Sudayatna added.
The deforested area is feared to trigger floods and landslides due to irresponsible human activities, if reforestation is not carried out immediately.
In order to anticipate the possibility of natural disasters due to deforestation, the region must immediately restore the forests to their original function.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
