Mangrove has a role as a buffer in the environment
Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji invited the public to preserve and maintain the mangrove ecosystem that is beneficial for conservation, education, ecotourism, cultural identity, and coastal stability.

"The mangrove ecosystem is experiencing tough pressures due to utilization and lack of attention to sustainable management. Mangroves are crucial as a buffer in the environment," Sutarmidji remarked during the inauguration of mangrove working group members here on Wednesday.

He highlighted that West Kalimantan has a mangrove ecosystem reaching over 161 thousand hectares, a coastline spanning 1,398 km, and two rare mangrove species.

"We should be grateful for the wealth we have. We have 40 types of mangroves, 30 types of trees, four types of shrubs, three types of palms, two types of lianas, and one type of fern. We also have two rare mangrove species, namely Bruguiera Hennesii and Kandelia Candel; there are only 300 Bruguiera Hennesii trees in the world," the governor pointed out.

It is crucial to rehabilitate and maintain mangrove ecosystems, as they are starting to become endangered, he emphasized.

"Mangrove has a role as a buffer in the environment. Therefore, I hope that the community and related stakeholders would cooperate in maintaining and managing our life support system," he said.

On the same occasion, Chairperson of the Mangrove Working Group, Adi Yani, said around 14 thousand hectares of mangrove ecosystems are critical, out of the total 161 thousand hectares in the province.

"There are several critical and very critical mangrove (ecosystems) that must be rehabilitated. The damage is due to the areal development and people who use it for self-interests, one of which is for shell charcoal. Hence, mangroves are easily damaged," he said.

Yani said his side remains committed to preventing further damage and overcoming the problem to preserve the mangrove ecosystem.

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Translator: Rendra O, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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