The WWF charity has announced their support to the World Conservation Congress and the Indonesian Government to help protect the remaining forests and critical ecosystems of Sumatra.
Sumatra is the world’s sixth-largest island, holding some of the most diverse, and endangered forests. It is now the only place on Earth where tigers, elephants and rhinos co-exist, but in the last 25 years almost half of the island’s natural forest cover has perished.
The WWF, Sumatran Government and other conservation groups have agreed to help implement their political commitment to protect what remains of the island’s forests, the first ever island-wide commitment to protect Sumatra’s biodiversity.
The Sumatran Deputy Minister of Environment, Hermien Roosita, said –
‘This agreement commits all the Governors of Sumatra’s ten provinces, along with the Indonesian Ministries of Forestry, Environment, Interior and Public Works, to restore critical ecosystems in Sumatra and protect areas with high conservation values. The Governors will now work together to develop ecosystem-based spatial plans that will serve as the basis for future development on the island.’
Deforestation, particularly in the tropics, is the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. More than 13 percent of Sumatra’s remaining forests are peat forests, and clearing these would be a major source of carbon emission.
CEO of WWF Indonesia, Mubariq Ahmad, said –
‘WWF is eager to help make this commitment a reality to protect the magnificent tropical forests across Sumatra. These forests shelter some of the world’s rarest species and provide livelihoods for millions of people.’
