"Our researches indicate that one of the factors for unsuccessful forest fire control is the lack of scientific-based information," Prof. Bambang Hero Saharjo said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bogor Institute of Agricultural (IPB) has established the Regional Fire Management Resource Center in the South East Asia Region (RFMRC-SEA), which provides accurate information and data on forest fire.
Head of RFMRC-SEA, Professor Bambang Hero Saharjo from the Forestry Faculty, said here on Monday that the data center presents information based on accurate research that can be used in stepping up efforts to control forest fires in Southeast Asia.
"Our researches indicate that one of the factors for unsuccessful forest fire control is the lack of scientific-based information," Bambang added.
According to him, a lot of confusing information on forest fires have been mentioned by the government or companies during the time.
The RFMRC-SEA can be a scientific source of information on forest and land fire, including its causes and impacts.
"For example, smoke from forest fires in Central Kalimantan consists of 90 gases, of which there are 50 toxic gases, hydrogen cyanide, furan, and others. These data have not been disseminated well," he stated.
In addition to conducting research, the institute will also establish research cooperation with Southeast Asia countries.
Bambang noted that the Minister of Environment and Forestry supported the RFMRC-SEA to assist the government in seeking forest fire control.
The institute receives support from the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) and funding from Germany until 2019.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
