Sangatta, E,Kalimantan (Antara Bali) - The Kutai National Park Office in East Kalimantan will rehabilitate 45 thousand hectares of its area that have been damaged, head of the office, Erly Sukrismanto, said here Monday.
The land rehabilitation program aims to save its forest and protect endemic rare animals and plant species in East Kalimantan.
"One of the plant species is ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) that has become extinct due to illegal logging," he added.
The first phase of land rehabilitation will cover 45 thousand hectares or a fifth of the total area of the park which is 198,000 hectares. The most damaged areas are found along the Bontang river heading to Sangatta.
The forest destruction is severer due to illegal logging and new settlements, Erly said. "The natural ecosystem has been severely damaged disrupting the habitat of animals and plants," he added.
The gradual land rehabilitation in the national park is expected to recover the natural condition of the areas. (WDY)
