Indonesia launches national movement to preserve flora and fauna

Antara 14 Apr 16;

Kepulauan Seribu, Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has arrived in Karya Island, Seribu Islands, Jakarta, on Thursday to launch the National Movement for the Rescue of Wild Fauna and Flora to preserve Indonesias endemic animal and plant species.

The president, accompanied by Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya, will release several endemic species such as the brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) and hatchling turtles in these waters.

The president will also sign an inscription to inaugurate Pramuka Islands Nature Reserve Center for turtles and Kotok Besar Islands Nature Reserve Center for the brahminy kite.

The president is scheduled to plant mangroves and coral reefs in the surrounding areas.

The government will set free doves and yellow-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) along with several other birds on the island.

The activity was a testament of Indonesias support to commemorate International Forest Day on April 21.

The United Nations, through Resolution Number 67/200 of 2012, set the day to foster public awareness of the importance of the existence of all types of forests and of trees growing outside the forests.(*)

President Jokowi attends event to commemorate International Day of Forests
Antara 14 Apr 16;

Pulau Karya (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) attended a function to commemorate the International Day of Forests at Pulau Karya in the Thousand Islands District, Jakarta, on Thursday.

Ari Dwipayana from the presidential communication team noted in a press statement that President Jokowi will declare the National Movement for Wildlife Protection.

In addition, Dwipayana said the president will set free a Bondol Eagle (Haliastur indus) and release baby sea turtles into the ocean at Pulau Karya beach.

Boarding an Air Force Super Puma helicopter from Bogor, West Java, the president arrived at Pulau Karya on Thursday morning to attend the International Day of Forests and returned to Jakarta in the afternoon.

After arriving in Jakarta, President Jokowi will receive the leaders of the Audit Board of Indonesia and will hold a consultation with the leaders of the Peoples Consultative Assembly.

Every year, on the International Day of Forests, people across the world celebrate the ways in which forests and trees sustain and protect them.

This year, the International Day of Forests is being observed to raise awareness on how forests are the key to the planets supply of freshwater, which is essential for life.

Forests cover one-third of the Earths land mass and perform vital functions. Some 1.6 billion people, including those from more than two thousand indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihood.

Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth and are home to over 80 percent of the terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects. They also provide shelter, jobs, and security for forest-dependent communities.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR/A014)