Jakarta, May 22, 2013 – The fragile state of Indonesia’s oceans and forests are a clear reminder of how marine and forest life is at risk from industrial overfishing and relentless deforestation, Greenpeace International warned on International Day for Biological Diversity.Coinciding with the UN-designated biodiversity day, the Greenpeace ship the Rainbow Warrior is currently visiting Indonesia, where it is documenting the country’s oceans and forests.
“Indonesia is home to some of the richest biodiversity spots on Earth, but continued land clearance to make way for industrial plantations and overfishing of our country’s oceans are putting this all at risk,” said Greenpeace Indonesia’s Country Director, Longgena Ginting.
“The Rainbow Warrior is here to raise awareness of Indonesia’s rich yet fragile environment, and to support President SBY’s commitment to protect the country’s forests and to restore our living oceans back to health.”
Approximately 10% of the world’s rainforests are located in Indonesia. Fifty years ago, 82% of Indonesia was covered with forests but in the last decade, this has dropped to 48% due to relentless deforestation for paper and palm oil plantations and mining.
Indonesia’s seas are also among the most diverse coastal and marine habitats. Areas like Raja Ampat, in West Papua, are claimed to be among the richest spots in biodiversity on Earth. The country’s coral reefs are considered to be among the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots, at risk from overfishing, pollution and climate change
Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organisation which uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and to force solutions essential to a green and peaceful future.