Indonesia must safeguard its around 130 million hectares of forest area and 3.7 million hectares of mangrove forest, the head of state said.Tanjung Benoa, Bali (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for the preservation of 3.7 million hectares of mangrove forest which is crucial to prevent abrasion.
Indonesia must safeguard its around 130 million hectares of forest area and 3.7 million hectares of mangrove forest, the head of state said when launching a mangrove save campaign here on Wednesday,
Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono on the occasion planted mangrove trees at Telaga Waja area, Benoa, Bali.
"We should give an example and become a role model. I encourage all to plant mangrove trees," he said in the event initiated by the Bali Mangrove Forum.
The special guest of the event was Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. The famous football player has been named a Bali mangrove envoy by the Bali Mangrove Forum set up by Indonesian tycoon Tomy Winata.
Also present on the occasion were Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan and Environmental Affairs Minister Baltazhar Kambuaya. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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