"The ecological cycle is unstable. Many national parks have changed shape. If it is not addressed, the effects of drought, forest fires, and climate change will increase and become more extensive," Professor of the Bogor Agricultural University Bambang Hero stated while addressing the panel of the BNPB National Coordination Meeting at the Sentul International Convention Center in Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday.
He called to boost the carrying capacity of resources and the community. "At present, the carrying capacity of resources is decreasing owing to human activities, and conservation areas have dwindled in size," he stated.
In the meantime, some people complained of the effects of drought, forest fires, and climate change, although they sense having done nothing to damage the ecological cycle.
"As a result of human activities, environmental damage is getting worse. In 2019, the BNPB had recorded 383 disasters dominated by hydrometeorological disasters," Bambang noted.
The professor explained that damage to the ecological system caused irregularities in rainfall, loss of water catchment areas, and several disasters, including increasing hydrometeorological disasters.
"The threat of hydrometeorological disaster can cause loss of life and property and cause damage to buildings and others," he stated.
To reduce the impact of the threat of hydrometeorological disaster, Bambang highlighted the need for an adaptive joint reform.
Hence, speakers have recommended strengthening the aspects of policy, institutions, planning, finance, and disaster management.
At the meeting, also attended by President Joko Widodo, BNPB Head Doni Monardo drew attention to the crucial aspect that the BNPB could not singlehandedly tackle natural disasters.
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Translator: Dewanto S, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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