Amuntai, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Provincial Government planted 10,000 ironwood (ulin) seedlings simultaneously in 13 districts and cities throughout South Kalimantan, one of which was in Amuntai, North Hulu Sungai (HSU).
"By planting Ulin seedlings, we hope that the community will plant trees at their respective neighborhoods," said HSU Regent H Abdul Wahid HK in Amuntai, Friday (12/2).
He said the planting of 10,000 ulin seedlings entitled 'Green Revolution' was initiated by Governor H Sahbirin Noor in an effort to reduce the impact of natural disasters, such as floods and landslides.
Tree planting is expected to increase water absorption in residential areas, especially for HSU which is quite prone to flood and landslide. Tree plantings is also to beautify and green the environment.
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Planting ulin is not mainly for reforestation, said Wahid, but to preserve the endemic plant of South Kalimantan which is now almost extinct.
"Ulin tree is indeed vvery good for long term reforestation. Not only to hold water and soil, it also has the power to prevent erosion and landslide, reduces global warming and keeps the climate stable," said Wahid conveying the mandate of South Kalimantan Governor.
HSU District, said Wahid, received 400 tree seedlings, consisting of 200 ulin seedlings, 100 mahonia seeds, and 100 fruit tree seeds to be planted in several locations in HSU.
The planting action was attended by the regional leaders communication forum (Forkopimda), heads of government agencies, and community organizations. The organizer was Housing and Settlement, and environment Agency (Disperkim LH) in cooperation with the Balangan Forest Management Unit (KPH) of the South Kalimantan Forestry Agency.
