Tapin, South Kalimantan (AntaranewsKalsel) - Tapin District Government and PT Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) are committed to continue the development of bekantan (proboscis) conservation to protect them from extinction.
To mark a continuation of the development, local government with the Indonesia Green Pen Journalists Community, AGM, and Indonesian People (OI) Banjarmasin planting trees together in the Bekantan Ecotourism Lawahan Village, Sungai Muning, Sub-district of South Tapin.
Trees planted were plants that fits in swamp areas, such as garunggung and sand dragon.
Based on the research and identification of Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB), there were approximately 248 proboscis monkeys roam in the ecotourism area.
Head of the Tapin Environment Agency (BLH) Zain Arifin said Regent H Arifin Arpan made policy for the conservation of endemic species typical of the Kalimantan.
"It is stipulated by the Decree of the Regent Tapin No. 188.45 / 060/KUM/2014 on the Determination of Value Important Areas for the Conservation of Endangered Proboscis Monkey," he said.
According to him, ecotourism is the responsibility of local governments and their development fully supported by PT AGM.
"Bekantan Ecotourism planned to be built on an area of 90 hectares and in the near future the entire area for ecotourism to be released," he said.
Tapin district government, he added, has prepared the land along 12 kilometers to access to ecotourism. "Hopefully, in 2016, the physical construction of the road can be started," he said.
Deputy External Affairs of PT AGM Budi Karya said the company is very consistent with the efforts to repair the environment conditions.
On that occasion, Green Pen Award handed for Yoet Suharya, because of his concern for the preservation of the proboscis monkeys ecosystem in South Kalimantan.
