I want that route closed. The coal stockpiles can be transported overland to the main river, so we can protect this species,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is stepping up measures to protect the endangered Mahakam dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), including the establishment of a conservation zone free from coal-carrying vessels to help preserve its population.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq on Tuesday reported that the species is critically endangered, with only 64 individuals remaining in the rivers of Kalimantan, including two newborns.

"We are working with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) to halt coal transportation through tributaries," he said.

Nurofiq identified coal vessel traffic as one of the main threats to the species, prompting the government to ensure that such vessels stay out of tributaries.

In reality, coal vessels continue to operate in the upper river, including around the Mahakam cascade lakes.

"I want that route closed. The coal stockpiles can be transported overland to the main river, so we can protect this species," he stressed.

He affirmed the government's serious stance regarding the threat to the Mahakam dolphin, once widespread across the Mahakam River but now confined to tributary areas.

His ministry has appointed four experts, including local indigenous representatives, to focus on protecting the species. Field verification is also being conducted to identify sources of pollution threatening the dolphins.

Earlier, the minister outlined three key strategies to address these threats under Law No. 32/2009 on Environmental Protection and Management: safeguarding biodiversity by ensuring the existence, diversity, and sustainability of natural resources within an integrated ecosystem.

Followed by mainstreaming sustainable development principles into regional policies and planning, including spatial and long-term development programs, to mitigate environmental risks.

Lastly, implementing concrete conservation programs, such as designating protected areas outside forest zones to preserve ecological functions and reduce human-induced damage.

The Mahakam dolphin is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and included in Appendix I of CITES, the highest level of protection under international regulations.



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Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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