The exhibition which will run from June 1 to 5, 2011 is part of actiivities to mark Environment Day.
Minister Agung was on the occasion accompanied by Environment Minister Gusti Muhammad Hatta.
Agung in his opening remarks said Indonesia, as the world`s third largest forested country, must pay serious attention to the conditions of its forests.
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) had announced that this year`s theme of Environment Day which falls on June 5, is "Nature at Your Service".
"Environmental damage due to illegal logging activities, forest fires, and land conversion have worsened environmental conditions and added to the list of disasters in the country," he said.
To address the problems, the minister called for environmental preservation programs involving the participation of the people.
The government has so far implemented tree planting programs such as the One Man One Tree and the Women Plan Tree that have contributed to the planting of a total of 1.3 billion trees.
"Lets change our way of thinking by planting tree any time we have an opportunity, and considering 1,000 times before cutting even a single tree. By planting trees, we will give our grand children a better environment," he said.
The Indonesian Environment Week 2011 involves 180 participants displaying among other things recycled goods and environmentally friendly products.
The environment ministry on the occasion signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Nahdatul Ulama (NU), the country`s largest Muslim organization) and the Indonesian Church Association on increasing the role of religious leaders in the preservation and management of the environment.(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
