Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - Indonesia`s mangrove forests are currently in critical condition and seriously damaged, according to Fishery and Marine Affairs Minister Fadel Muhammad.

"Around 70 percent of mangrove forests in Indonesia are in critical condition and seriously damaged," Minister Fadel Muhammad said when launching a mangrove planting campaign at Poka village, Teluk Ambon sub district, Maluku Province, Friday.

He cited a lack of public awareness as a factor which caused the degradation of mangrove forests.

The mangrove tree planting and beach cleaning up campaign in the Ambon Gulf area was organized as part of the activities in the Sail Banda international marine event.

Minister Fadel Muhammad and his wife as well as Deputy Maluku Governor Said
Assagaff took part in the beach cleaning up activities participated in by thousands of people, including students and civil servants from Poka and Rumah Tiga villages.

At least 50,000 mangrove seedlings were planted in several locations in Ambon city and Ambon Island, on the occasion.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to attend Sail Banda`s peak event in Ambon, on Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

At 11 am Darwin Time on Saturday, July 24, 2010, Indonesian Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono at Darwin`s Cullen Bay flagged off 49 of 106 foreign yachts to mark the start of Sail Banda 2010.

Laksono flagged off the yachts participating in Sail Banda, in the presence of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Fadel Muhammad, Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu, and the Darwin mayor. The Sail Banda event will last until August 8, 2010. (*)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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