Indonesia's gifts

The Indonesian government has added 1.3 million hectares of protected areas through establishing nine new national parks and expanding an existing one. The new parks will protect a huge range of biodiversity, especially the endangered Sumatran tiger, as well as rhinos, elephants, and orang-utans. The government is also promoting collaborative management of protected areas following the issue of a ministerial decree last month. Some of the newly protected areas include Tesso Nilo, one of Sumatra's remaining lowland forests and home to 60–80 elephants, and Sebangau, the largest remaining peat swamp forest in Kalimantan on the island of Borneo and home to 2,500–4,500 orang-utans. WWF has recognized these efforts as a Gift to the Earth, the conservation organization's highest accolade for a globally significant contribution to the protection of the planet.


To celebrate Indonesia’s joint efforts and achievements in conservation, the Indonesian government, together with a number of national and international NGOs, held an event during the IUCN-World Conservation Congress, which took place from 17–25 in Bangkok, Thailand. At the event, WWF awarded its Gift to the Earth certificate to Koes Saparjadi, Director General of Indonesia's Forest Protection and Nature Conservation. Leaders for a Living Planet certificates for outstanding conservation efforts were also given to several local government officials.


In my reflection, this gift is symbolic and it is WWF's highest accolade for applauding good conservation work. I wish, between government and those Indonesian people keep working hand-in-hand to ensure the protection of biodiversity wealth and the well-being of local communities because these things are vital for conservation success. These achievements have reflected the Indonesia’s strong commitment to conserve the country's natural heritage for the well-being of current and future generations, and set a positive track record for future commitments and actions

Reflection based on http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?16730/Indonesias-gifts-to-the-Earth