REPUBLIKA.CO.ID,BANJARMASIN -- An ecotourism area of proboscis monkeys in Tapin District, South Kalimantan, will be developed into an integrated farming zone.
The transformation of a proboscis monkey conservation area into an integrated farming zone was aimed at developing several sectors, such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and micro, small and medium enterprises, Head of Tapin District's Regional Environmental Agency (BLHD), Zain Ariffin, stated here on Friday.
"Hence, we will not only develop the conservation area but also the surrounding areas outside it in order to support accelerated economic growth in the region," Ariffin noted.
Hence, he hoped that all relevant agencies, such as the agriculture, livestock, industry, and tourism offices, will help to develop and manage the conservation area, which is a habitat for some 258 proboscis monkeys, and its surrounding areas in order to improve the livelihood of the local communities living around the protected zone.
To accelerate the development of the ecotourism conservation area, the local government has taken various steps, including building 14 kilometers of roads by the Tapin District government.
The Indonesian National Armed Forces had also participated in the construction of the roads.
Ariffin pointed out the local government had allocated some Rp2.7 billion from local budgets to finance the construction of the roads, including the funds for land acquisition.
Limited Company (PT) Antang Gunung Meratus (AGM) has constructed infrastructure within the conservation area to protect proboscis monkeys, Borneo's native species, and its habitat.
"PT AGM is until now particularly concerned about the development of the conservation area," he pointed out.
Ariffin said the conservation area would serve as a mainstay tourism area in the region apart from being a center for scientific development, especially for universities to conduct research.
He further stated that AGM has sought to reforest 90 hectares of land area to anticipate the relocation of groups of proboscis monkeys that currently need various herbs as part of their dietary intake.
The local government has also built several huts to store food items, such as unripe bananas and other fruits, to meet the nutritional requirements of the proboscis monkeys.
Ariffin affirmed that the local government was currently focusing on planting trees of different species to accelerate reforestation in the area, including plants that serve as a food source for the proboscis monkeys living in the conservation area.
Tapin District's BLHD and Antang Gunung Meratus Company held an Iftar event in Banjarmasin with Pena Hijau in South Kalimantan, the journalist community that cares for the environment.
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