Antara 6 Sep 12;
Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya said on Wednesday that around 40 percent to 50 percent of Indonesia`s environment has been damaged on a national scale.
The damage done to Indonesia`s environment can be pegged at 40 percent to 50 percent, the environment minister said while addressing a group of scouts.
Kambuaya was speaking at an event organized jointly by the office of the Ministry of Environment and the National Scout Movement to promote a campaign aimed at spreading awareness about preserving the environment.
The minister noted that the damage has been largely wrought by the activities of human beings. "It is caused by the actions of human beings, and therefore, the scout movement can help popularize ways in which we can safeguard the environment going forward."
Kambuaya, who is also a rector at the Cenderawasih University of Papua, said his office will extend full cooperation to the scout movement, and provide them with information about how the public can work towards preserving the environment, so that the younger generation is able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts during the next 20 to 30 years.
Meanwhile, Zulkarnaen, the director of the Environmental Forum of Walhi in South Sulawesi pointed out that the environmental damage in the province during the last few years can be pegged at 80 percent.
The forum also stated on record that at least 24 districts or municipalities in the province and around 20 other districts such as Maros, Pangkep and East Luwu have undergone the worst environmental damage.(*)
