Jambi (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) estimated that 1.26 million hectares, or about 60 percent of the total forest area in Jambi, had been encroached upon or damaged over the last two decades.

Director of Walhi Jambi Abdullah stated here on Tuesday that Jambi Province currently had only 840 thousand hectares of forest, with good tree cover.

The encroachment and destruction of forest areas occurring in the last two decades have narrowed the forest area in Jambi.

"The (encroachment and destruction of the) forest (areas) in Jambi Province is a very worrisome matter. Many of our forests are being encroached upon by irresponsible people and companies," he stated.

Part of the forest area in Jambi has been converted into mining and plantation areas, and the trees have been cut down.

Walhi will present the issue of forest cover reduction in Jambi and its handling during this year's National Environmental Consultation, he added.

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Translator: Nanang M, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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