Mandai tree falls
from Urban Forest
Reef Friends at Sea again! - Pulau Hantu
from Psychedelic Nature
Three Beauties @ MacRitchie Nature Trail
from Beauty of Fauna and Flora in Nature
A walk around Lazarus Island
from wonderful creation
Anemone hunt at Seringat-Kias
from wonderful creation and wild shores of singapore
Javan Myna
from Monday Morgue
Hundreds of people turn up to stroll along the tracks; talks on how to develop land begin
Daryl Chin and Sia Ling Xin Straits Times 3 Jul 11;
It was a scene Singapore has never witnessed: Scores of people strolling along the railway tracks that run from Woodlands to Tanjong Pagar.
Yesterday, a day after the authorities announced that it would allow the public access to most of the 26km track for two weeks, hundreds of people turned up at different sections of the route throughout the day.
The Nature Society (Singapore) led an organised walk, with about 60 of its members trekking 6km from Bukit Timah to Ten Mile Junction.
Mr Leong Kwok Peng, vice-president of the society, said: 'I think the turnout is fantastic. You can easily see hundreds of people milling around the area when you look down both ends of the tracks.'
Armed with water bottles, walking shoes and cameras, many could be seen carefully making their way across the tracks. Some were intent on choosing a pebble as a keepsake.
Mr Kenneth Loh, 39, a manager in the construction industry who lives at Rifle Range Road where he can see and hear the trains go by every day, took his wife, two daughters and a friend's family along.
'When I moved there about a year ago, I was hoping the train service would stop soon so we wouldn't be affected by the noise. Now, we are used to it and enjoy watching them go past - and they're gone,' he said.
Engineer Kooi Yok Meng, 62, who lives in Teck Whye, headed down to the tracks with his wife as he thought it would be 'interesting and romantic'.
'We've lived here for over 10 years and never had the chance to see the tracks up close. I thought it would be fun to come here and snap some pictures of my wife. It's actually kind of like going on a date after being married for so long,' said Mr Kooi, who has been married for more than 20 years.
The public can enjoy most of the track until July 17. A 3km stretch between Rifle Range Road and the Rail Mall is accessible throughout this month.
At the launch of a National Parks Board exhibition at the Botanic Gardens yesterday, Minister of State for National Development and Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin said developing a 'green' corridor will take years and extensive public engagement.
The former general has already begun dialogues with academics, nature and heritage groups, to name a few.
Calling it a partnership, he said: 'I think it's very important to listen to their perspectives... even as we develop the area, so we can factor in some of their considerations.'
He added that he was also keen to get input from others such as architects, art school students and even the schools along the railway line.
Singapore Heritage Society president Kevin Tan said he was heartened by the latest development. 'From the outpouring of emotion at its closure, it's clear that Singaporeans are increasingly invested in Singapore and concerned about what makes this place special. And it's a good move that these people are being engaged,' he said.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said on Friday that it will study the possibility of maintaining a continuous green link along the rail line 'without affecting the development potential of the lands'.
It also said the stretch could be added to the planned 150km islandwide park connector network.
Nature Society president Shawn Lum said this announcement, plus the URA's dedicated website, clearly showed that the principles of a green corridor were being embraced.
The website, which invites public feedback, also provides information on The High Line in New York City, and Promenade Plantee in Paris.
Both of these areas were railway stations that fell into disuse but later became rejuvenated as public spaces.
'It shows that the authorities have done their homework and are not just paying lip service. Of course, to be realistic, we can't get everything we want, but it's exciting to be involved at the embryonic stage,' said Dr Lum.
Railway's green corridor fine as it is
Straits Times Forum 5 Jul 11;
I AM sad to learn that the railway tracks will be open only until July 17, with the exception of the stretch from Rifle Range Road to the Rail Mall. That stretch will stay open until the end of the month.
It was nice to see hundreds of people strolling along the tracks over the weekend. It is not often that we can be in such a tranquil environment.
I understand that it will take years and extensive effort to develop a green corridor. However, the corridor is fine as it is. Why does it need developing? It offers us a unique piece of Singapore's past, fresh air, greenery, wildlife and a place to get away from everyday life.
Why can't we be left free to roam the tracks from Queenstown to at least the Rail Mall?
Damian Ng
Channel NewsAsia 3 Jul 11;
SINGAPORE: Singapore's water supply received a boost with the opening of the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs.
This brings the total number of reservoirs in Singapore to 17.
The reservoirs were created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon.
They will collect rainwater from estates and areas within Punggol and Sengkang, as well as parts of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio.
Together with the Marina Reservoir, they increase the water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore.
National water agency PUB celebrated this milestone on Sunday at a ceremony officiated by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
The plan is part of PUB's strategy to create estuarine reservoirs by damming the major rivers to collect and store as much of the 2,400mm of rain that it gets annually.
Singapore has eight reservoirs collecting water from urbanised catchments in the densely populated city areas and residential towns.
PUB said water from local catchments is a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability strategy, along with imported water, high-grade reclaimed water branded as NEWater and desalinated water.
Collectively, these four sources of water are known as the 'Four National Taps' to ensure a diversified and sustainable water supply.
PUB said besides enhancing water supply, the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs are set to transform the landscape in north-eastern Singapore.
Envisioned as a 'waterfront town of the 21st century', Punggol Town will soon become a commercial and social hub, with a 4.2-km waterway that connects both reservoirs running through the estate and town centre.
Residents can look forward to waterfront living in the heartlands with a myriad of attractive and lifestyle choices lined up along the banks.
- CNA/cc
Two new reservoirs help boost Singapore's water supply
AsiaOne 3 Jul 11;
Two new reservoirs opened in northeast Singapore, giving Singapore a much-needed boost to water supply.
Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs are the latest additions, bringing the total number of water catchment areas in Singapore to 17.
PUB announced today that they increase the water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore, together with the Marina Reservoir.
The milestone achievement was celebrated in a ceremony officiated by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Balakrishnan said that Singapore is "well on our way to self-sufficiency" with imported water from Johor, NEWater, and desalinated water providing Singapore with a sustainable water supply.
Created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon, the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs will collect rainwater from estates and areas within Punggol and Sengkang, and parts of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio.
This is in line with PUB's strategy to create estuarine reservoirs by damming the major rivers to collect and store as much of the 2400mm of rain that it gets annually.
The Minister also urged Singaporeans to play our part to make sure the reservoirs stays clean. He said: "As we look forward to these new developments, it is important to note that we need community support and community participation because we need to keep our areas clean. If you just stopped to think about it, every drop of rain that falls on the ground or lands in our drains, ends up in a reservoir and ultimately in our drinking cups. And that requires all of us to play our part to make sure it stays clean and safe."
Waterfront living in the heartlands
Besides enhancing water supply, residents of Punggol and Serangoon can look forward to waterfront living in the heartlands with a myriad of attractive and lifestyle choices lined up along the banks.
Envisioned as a ‘waterfront town of the 21st century’, Punggol Town will soon become a commercial and social hub, with a 4.2-km waterway that connects both reservoirs running through the estate and town centre.
Located right in the midst of Punggol Reservoir, the ABC Waters project - Sengkang Floating Wetland – links the Anchorvale Community Club to the Sengkang Riverside Park via a bridge on one side, and a boardwalk skimming the water surface on the other. While helping to keep the water clean by natural processes, the wetland also provides a habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity there.
Lorong Halus Wetland along Serangoon Reservoir collects and treats water passing through the former landfill, preventing it from flowing into the reservoir. This helps safeguard the quality of water in Serangoon Reservoir.
Like the Sengkang Floating Wetland, the Lorong Halus Wetland is developing into a natural habitat for wildlife over time. Members of the public can also go on the nature trails to learn more about wetland, the plants, and various wildlife that thrive there.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "Punggol Town will also serve as a 'living laboratory' to test bed new ideas and technologies in sustainable development.
"Work on the first Eco-Precinct, named the Treelodge@Punggol, is already underway, with eco-friendly features such as the collection of rainwater to wash common areas and rooftop greening."
Once landfill and pig farms, now vital reservoirs
Punggol, Serangoon reservoirs to supply 5% of S'pore's water needs
Mavis Toh Straits Times 4 Jul 11;
SINGAPORE'S 16th and 17th reservoirs - formerly home to pig and poultry farms and the Lorong Halus landfill - were officially declared open yesterday.
The Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs, created by damming the Punggol and Serangoon rivers respectively, are open to the public, though parts of the promenades are still under construction.
Little remains of what these two areas once were.
Construction of the two water catchments, which cost $300 million, started in 2006. The water from the two reservoirs will be pumped to Upper Peirce Reservoir for storage.
The two new reservoirs are connected by the 4.2km Punggol Waterway, which runs through Punggol housing estate and provides residents with waterfront living and water activities.
At the official opening of the reservoirs yesterday, Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said they marked yet another milestone in Singapore's journey towards achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability in terms of its water stocks.
With a combined catchment area of 5,500ha, the two reservoirs will supply about 5 per cent of Singapore's water needs.
Taken together with the Marina Reservoir, they will expand Singapore's water catchment area from half its total land area to two-thirds - an achievement Dr Balakrishnan believes to be a world record.
Apart from its 17 reservoirs, Singapore depends on imported water, Newater and desalinated water.
Also present yesterday was Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC. He told reporters that his Pasir Ris constituents used to be concerned about living so near the Lorong Halus landfill.
'It is just wonderful to see the transformation in 15 years,' he said.
Mr Goh Chong Hoon, deputy director of national water agency PUB, said that finding effective ways to combat pollution was one challenge faced in the construction of the reservoirs.
The solution came with the building of the Lorong Halus Wetland on the banks of the Serangoon Reservoir.
The wetland collects water passing through the former landfill and prevents it from flowing into the reservoir. The plants there also filter and clean the water.
In his speech, Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singapore had started with the conventional approach, by collecting rainwater in protected catchments. But with so many competing demands for land here, it has had to build unprotected catchments in urban areas to supplement the country's water supply.
To ensure that such catchments are safe from contamination, sewerage infrastructure has been installed, old sewers upgraded to prevent leaks and highly pollutive industries moved elsewhere, he said.
Punggol resident Richard Low, 58, is happy with the developments in his neighbourhood.
He said: 'People used to remember this place as a rubbish dump. Now, it is beautiful. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifThe transformation is just stunning.'
New reservoirs to boost Singapore's water supply
Channel NewsAsia 3 Jul 11;
SINGAPORE: Singapore's water supply received a boost with the opening of the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs.
This brings the total number of reservoirs in Singapore to 17.
The reservoirs were created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon. Both reservoirs can meet about five per cent of the country's water needs and will collect rainwater from estates and areas within Punggol and Sengkang, as well as parts of Hougang and Ang Mo Kio.
Together with the Marina Reservoir, they increase the water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore.
National water agency PUB celebrated this milestone on Sunday at a ceremony officiated by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
The plan is part of PUB's strategy to create estuarine reservoirs by damming the major rivers to collect and store as much of the 2,400mm of rain that it gets annually.
Singapore has eight reservoirs collecting water from urbanised catchments in the densely populated city areas and residential towns.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "The use of urbanised catchments required careful land use planning and supporting infrastructure to safeguard the quality of the water.
"For instance, sewerage infrastructure had to be put in place to carry away used water. Old sewers had to be upgraded to ensure that there were no leaks polluting ground water. Highly pollutive industries had to be relocated outside the water catchment areas."
Dr Balakrishnan added that the new reservoirs are significant in Singapore's journey towards water self-sufficiency and sustainability.
PUB said water from local catchments is a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability strategy, along with imported water, high-grade reclaimed water branded as NEWater and desalinated water.
Collectively, these four sources of water are known as the "Four National Taps" to ensure a diversified and sustainable water supply.
PUB said besides enhancing water supply, the Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs are set to transform the landscape in north-eastern Singapore.
Envisioned as a "waterfront town of the 21st century", Punggol Town will soon become a commercial and social hub, with a 4.2-km waterway that connects both reservoirs running through the estate and town centre.
Residents can look forward to waterfront living in the heartlands with a myriad of attractive and lifestyle choices lined up along the banks.
DPM Teo said: "It's a multi-used reservoir, recreational area, people can enjoy the water centre here. It's just wonderful to see the transformation within just 15 years."
Water from the Serangoon reservoir is still undergoing desalting process, and will only be fit for consumption by the end of this year.
- CNA/cc/ac
Two new reservoirs to boost Singapore's water supply
Esther Ng Today Online 4 Jun 11;
SINGAPORE - Singapore's water supply has been increased with the opening of Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs, bringing the number of reservoirs here to 17.
Created by the damming of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon, the two reservoirs will also bring waterfront living to Singapore's north-eastern heartlands.
Along with Marina Reservoir, Singapore's water catchment areas has increased from half to two-thirds of the Republic's land area.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who officiated at the opening yesterday, said the two reservoirs will enhance Singapore's "water self-sufficiency and sustainability".
In addition, the Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs are expected to transform the heartlands of Singapore's northeast.
The PUB is working with the People's Association to run watersports programmes at these reservoirs.
Yesterday, the PUB launched its ABC Waters Learning Trail @ Sengkang Floating Wetland, an experiential learning trail focused on water and biodiversity.
Students from Anchor Green Primary, Fernvale Primary and Nan Chiau High School, some of the six schools which have adopted Punggol Reservoir, will explore the sciences, geography and national education on the man-made floating wetland.
Lorong Halus Wetland, too, along Serangoon Reservoir has become a "popular" recreational hotspot, noted Mr Balakrishnan.
The former landfill not only collects and filters water before it flows into the reservoir, but it has developed into a natural habitat teeming with wildlife and fauna.
Said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who was present at yesterday's opening ceremony: "The concerns of my residents then was that it was an active landfill site, (so) it's wonderful to see that just within 15 years it's now a wonderful recreational area, it's a multi-use reservoir - people can enjoy the water centre here."
Asked about the future of Lorong Halus as the wetlands is not a gazetted nature area and with plans to turn the wetlands into an industrial park, Mr Teo said: "We have to see what we can make use of it for in the long term. In the meantime, it will be a wonderful lung for the people living in Pasir Ris as well as in Punggol, connected by the bridge and united by this reservoir."
In highly urbanised Singapore, you can still find vacation spots with a 'countryside' feel
Magdalen Ng Straits Times 3 Jul 11;
Be it a laid-back seaside vacation or a back-tobasics farmstay, these rustic getaways are a nice break from the city. You can close your eyes and pretend that you are not in urbanised Singapore.
There is D'Kranji Farm in Kranji, which has the relaxed vibe of a kampung in Malaysia or Orchid Country Club in Yishun, which overlooks a lush golf course and Seletar Reservoir.
Or island-hop to Pulau Ubin. Recruitment consultant Jasmine Chan stayed a night at Celestial Resort on the island with seven friends. And she says that it is a place where you can relax and lose track of time.
'I didn't want to take leave, so having a staycation was good. Plus, the resort really did not feel like Singapore. You can see fish swim right next to you,' says the 23-year-old.
She warns that the 'out of Singapore' feel extends to creature comforts, so do not expect five-star rooms and service. 'Bring insect repellent, you will need it,' she adds.
But social media manager Diana Lim was put off staying at D'Kranji Farm Resort after a day visit. She says: 'A real farm should have many farm animals to pet.'
But she adds that she saw an interesting sight at the farm, which grows seasonal fruit and produce that visitors can buy, and offers educational tours. It was a bounty of bananas on a tree that made her look twice.
'I've never seen so many bananas,' she says. 'I found out it is called Banana Musa - Thousand Fingers Banana.'
Mozzies and the possible lack of things to do aside, Mr Arthur Chen, 33, who is pursing a master's degree after working as a tuition teacher for six years, says he is looking to stay at the farm for his next holiday.
'It's much more economical, both in terms of time and money. And it does not take much effort to plan. I can just book the place and go - and I'll be on holiday immediately,' he says.
songyuan@sph.com.sg
Where: 1000 Pulau Ubin Island, tel: 6542-6681
Info: www.celestialresort.com
How much: $118 for a standard room to $268 for a family suite
There are no pristine, white beaches but on Pulau Ubin, you can still indulge in snorkelling and swimming among fish in the man-made lagoon at Celestial Beach Resorts.
The fish may not be as colourful as those elsewhere - though you should keep an eye out for the distinctive black pomfret - but schools of them rush towards you when you feed them.
You can rent bicycles at the resort to explore the island, which is a haven for wildlife. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare Oriental Pied Hornbill bird, which has taken to breeding on Pulau Ubin.
There is no need to venture out of the self-sufficient resort and its cafe serves a decent spaghetti carbonara ($10) and some mean chocolate eclairs ($4.50 for a plate). But be warned, the wait staff, while impeccably well-mannered, are probably just as chilled-out as the guests.
Rooms are not exactly luxurious but they are clean and functional and perfect for a quick, pocket-friendly getaway with friends or family.
D'KRANJI FARM RESORT
A scarecrow (above) in the middle of the rice field, lovely views of the countryside from the rooms, and banana plants growing in abundance. -- ST PHOTOS: CHEW SENG KIM
Where: 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, >tel: 6862-9717
Info: www.dkranji.com.sg
How much: Special offer of $185 nett for a one-night stay, excluding breakfast
It is a long way from civilisation, a 15-minute drive to the nearest MRT station, but that is precisely the point. Once you step through the gates of this farm resort, you leave urban life behind.
There are rows of fruit trees - papayas, sugar apples and longans, to name a few, and vegetables, including maize, tomatoes and peppers. A scarecrow is an ominous presence in the middle of a small rice-field.
Rooms are small, so do leave your large-sized trolley bag at home, but there are basic amenities, complete with an outdoor shower.
Dinner is not provided but there is a restaurant in the compound. There are also plenty of other commercial farms around, ranging from vegetable and goat to mushroom concerns, that welcome visitors and are worth exploring. But if you prefer a more restful stay, simply rise early to catch the sunrise and then go back to sleep.
This farm resort boasts unrestricted views, thanks to a nearby airbase, so hope for clear skies and good weather to make the most of it.
ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB
You can play golf, bowl at the in-house alley or swim, and enjoy the fresh air and view of the golf course from your room (below). -- PHOTOS: ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB
Where: 1 Orchid Club Road, tel: 6755-9811
Info: www.orchidclub.com
How much: $200++ for a deluxe room to $500++ for a deluxe suite
This place beside a golf course at Yishun is a paradise for golfers. It would probably take more than a day to work the three nine-hole courses on site. The rates range from $100 to $220. You do not have to be a member to stay here.
But for those who do not play golf, there is nothing much to do other than bowl at the in-house alley or swim, and enjoy the view of the sprawling course from your room.
The rooms are spacious and well-furnished and are comparable to those in a four-star hotel, albeit a dated one.
There are plenty of dining options in the golf club itself, including Chinese restaurant Peach Garden, where you must try the XO sauce carrot cake ($10), and Par Lounge, where you can enjoy a nightcap.
And for those who do not mind a 20-minute bus ride or a 10-minute drive, head out to the well-known Chong Pang Nasi Lemak in the vicinity.
CITY BEACH RESORT
You can fish at the water's edge, watch ships pass by or simply sit there and watch the waves. The locations may be inconvenient for those who do not drive and the rooms at the resort are simple, but you can play pool or make a trip to nearby Sentosa, Labrador Park or Vivocity.
Where: 8 Port Road, tel: 6273-0030
Info: www.citybeachresort.com.sg
How much: Rates start from $130 nett for a one-night stay including breakfast
City Beach Resort boasts views of the South China Sea and is nestled in a quiet location just off Pasir Panjang Road. It is perfect for couples or families who want to spend some quality time together.
There is a pool, beer garden and seafood restaurant on site, and the rooms are simple but elegantly furnished. But it is certainly no five-star beach resort.
However, the quaint location means that getting there and around may be a problem for non-motorists.
Those who drive could zip off to nearby Sentosa or Labrador Park for a picnic or to get a tan. For city-dwellers who need a shopping fix, there is always VivoCity to save the day.
Antara 3 Jul 11;
Liwa, Lampung (ANTARA News) - A herd of 30 elephants again damaged plantations at Pemerihan village, Bengkunat sub district, Belimbing, West Lampung, Lampung Province, Sumatra Island, last Saturday.
"Tens of elephants entered the plantation areas in the morning, at around 4 am, and luckily they did not attack the settlement area," Head of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Office`s national park management section Achmad Sutardy said at Bengkunat, Saturday.
The area is currently guarded by a number of the national park`s staff members.
The elephants came out of the national park to find food.
"Every year, wild elephants came out of the forest to move to location where food is available. It happens that the elephants` route is near the human settlement located next to the forest," he said.
Local villages were scared because the presence of the elephants could threatened their lives, Achmad said.
Every night, 12 national park officers and local villagers guard the plantation and settlement areas from the animals.
Conflicts between Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) and humans have increased over the past few years claiming lives among both humans and elephants but mostly among the giant animals.
At least 14 elephants were found dead during the period of 2004-2011, but who had caused their deaths has remained "not known".
Among the most tragic one occurred in May 2002, when a herd of 17 Sumatran elephants were poisoned in a community oil palm plantation on Sumatra island.
The latest deaths of Sumatran elephants were found in April 2011 when four elephants were reportedly poisoned to death in an oil palm plantation at Putri Hijau, North Bengkulu district, Bengkulu Province.
According to data from 2007-2009, there were at least 21 conflicts between elephants and local people in Indonesia which estimated to have caused Rp500 million of material losses per year.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Antara 2 Jul 11;
Dumai, Riau Province (ANTARA News) - The US National Oceanic Atmospheric Agency (NOAA)`s Satellite 18 has detected seven hotspots in Riau, according to Riau`s meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency (BMKG).
"There are seven hotspots in Sumatra, and all of them are in Riau, namely five in Rokan Hilir District, and two in Bengkalis, Sanya Gautami, a Riau BMKG analyst, said here Saturday.
The number of hotspots had dropped significantly from a few days ago when 36 - 56 hotspots were detected in Sumatra, mostly in Riau island, he said.
The hotspots were previously not detected due to clouds over Riau.
"At the time, none of the hotspots was detected in Riau. But, starting Friday (July 1), hotspots were seen again," she said.
Until the next two days, most of Riau areas hardly has rains. "However, in several places there will be possibilities to local rains with low intensity," she said.
She predicted that the number of hotspots might increase especially in the districts of Rokan Hilir, Bengkalis, Siak, Indragiri Hulu, Indragiri Hilir, Kuantan Singingi and Dumai which have large forest areas.
Last Tuesday (June 28), Riau province`s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said it had detected at least 36 hotspots on Sumatra Island.
Warih Puji Lestari of Riau`s BMKG said the 36 hotspots were detected by NOAA satellite, where 18 were located in areas prone to forest fires in the provinces of Jambi (three spots), South Sumatra (4 spots) and West Sumatra (one spot).
"The remaining 28 hotspots were detected in Riau province," she said.
The hotspots in Raiu province were located among others in the districts of Siak, Kampar, Bengkalis, Indragiri Hulu, Kuantansingingi, Dumai city, Pelalawan and Rokan Hilir.
Most of the forest and plantation fires in Indonesia are man-made. Fire is the cheapest and the only available tool for smallholders to reduce vegetation cover and to prepare and fertilize soils.
(SYS/F001)
Editor: Suryanto
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