Development of Siberut Conservation Program

IPB will re-develop Siberut Conservation Program after  previously IPB has conducted activities related to research, community-based conservation and capacity building and awareness over the preservation of biodiversity on the island of Siberut since 2008/2009. This was expressed by Dr.drh.Muhammad Agil, MSc.Agr in the Focus Group Discussion staged in the Meeting Room of Institute for Research and Community Service, Darmaga Campus of IPB Darmaga, (24/8).

On the same occasion, Johannes Purwanto of LIPI discussed the development of Biosphere Reserve, i.e. the concept of integrating conservation with sustainable economic development. He further stated that the advantages of developing this concept of Biosphere Reserve is in addition to preserving natural and cultural resources, it can also be used for research to monitor education and training as an effort to create the balanced relationship between human and nature (biosphere).

"However, problems such as urbanization, limited land for the local community, social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues often emerge in the conservation regions," said J Purwanto.

Meanwhile, a representative of PT. Summa Salaki Sejahtera presented necessary studies and research, on of which is a technical study of forest rehabilitation after logging. Since 2007, the company has collaborated with IPB concerning sustainable forest management in which IPB acts to assist the company that operates on the island of Siberut, Regency of Mentawai Islands. (Mtd)